Blood Test results | Arthritis Information

 

Well, got my first results after taking Enbrel. My CRP is way down and inflammation is down as well, so wooohoo. it is working, but they did a test on my cortisol (your body's own making of prednisone) and my body is not producing it. About two months ago my family dr took me completely off prednisone and I went into adrenal failure. I reversed the second I took prednisone, but now my body won't produce it by itself anymore. So, now they say I will probably have to take it for the rest of my life. Even with taking 10mg a day, it is not high enough, so up I go. I am really depressed about this. You guys know what I am talking about with the weight gain, bloating, not to mention the long term effects and regular tests that have to be done. Just another thing I have to fight. But...I don't have cancer or anything, so I should say I am blessed. Sorry, just had to whine a little..thanks for letting me! Hi Schell, I am excited to read of your positive response to Enbrel. YES! And, I am so saddened to read about your adrenal insufficiency. Secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by prolonged use of steroid medications is, unfortunately, an all too common negative side-effect.

I certainly understand your sense of depression with first the diagnosis and then being locked into taking more steroid medications to replace the steroids normally manufactured in the adrenals.

However, I realize that I have made an assumption that your adrenal insufficiency is secondary to corticosteroids. Shame on me for assuming! There are, of course, many causes of adrenal insufficiency beside prolonged prednisone usage.

I hope you soon find the perfect balance of corticol replacement and feeling well.

Best wishes, Shug
How long have you been on Prednisone? And what dosage?I have been on it for about two years and the amount fluctuates. I used to be on about 20-25 a day, now down to 10-15.  You assumed correct, Shug. It is due to prolonged usage. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know I am probably not the only one here with that problem! Anyone else here had adrenal failure due to stopping prednisone? OMG...it was awful..so I will take anything to keep from THAT happening again. :)) Hi Schell, I'm so sorry about the adrenal insuff.  After 4 years of 30-40 mg. of Pred. daily my adrenals also quit working.  Fortunately, my doc recognized the problem and put me on 5 mg. daily (which is the amount that the adrenals automatically produce) and I've been fine.  Since all you're doing is replacing the amount of cortisone that your body quit producing you won't have the same side effects from this small amount.  We've tried to jump start mine several times but it's not working. 

LinB2009-09-13 09:57:25what are the symptoms that your adrenals are not working? My symptoms were dizziness, confusion, feeling like I was there but I wasn't, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, tired, etc.  It was really very weird. After I took the prednisone, it all went away. Thank God I had some on hand. I was like that for four days and even after I went to the ER, they were still perplexed. It dawned on me that it all started once I stopped the prednisone, so I took one and I was back to normal in a matter of hours. Scary! Often the signs of adrenal insufficiency are volatile blood pressure, cardiovascular irregularities including but not limited to muscular weakness, dizziness and faintness with changes in position, especially when arising from a sitting to a standing position, heart "palpitations", very low blood pressure; craving salt, skin and mucous membrane discolouration with bronze patterns; frequent bouts of debilitating nausea that may precipitate vomiting and/or diarrhea; severe stomachaches. Dehydration; depression, anxiety; changes in menstrual patterns, loss of pubic and underarm hair, etc., etc..

It is said that most often the clue is the bronzing of the skin and/or mucous membranes. Blood analysis demonstrates low levels of glucose and sodium. The definitive test is to draw blood and obtain a urine specimen at specific intervals after having ingested a synthetic steroid to measure serum cortisol and urinary steroid levels.

One of my adrenal glands was surgically removed a couple of months ago along with a diseased kidney, and shortly thereafter the other one atrophied and ceased to function. My cortisol levels continue to fluctuate widely and sometime wildly. It is an ongoing job-of-work to find the happy medium of steroid replacement and control of inflammation from RA.

Anyone who suspects they may have adrenal compromise needs immediate medical attention.
Thanks for the info. It will be 3 weeks Monday that I have been off the prednisone and I have felt very tired, in more pain, kind of depressed- I thought it might be from adrenal insufficiency but I don't have the kind of symptoms related to that.
I guess it's just going to take my body a while to get used to no prednisone. I wonder how long it takes?
to Wantobe:  yes, it takes awhile to get used to no prednisone. It's been quite awhile since I stopped it so I don't remember exactly how long but I think it was weeks. BTW, just saw my RA doc Friday and learned that the knee x-rays show the OA in my knees is bad but not far enough advanced for replacement. He also mentioned that more exercises for my knees might help the ligaments and tendons strengthen (I do water aerobics regularly). I get soooo frustrated because sometimes I feel like people think we bring this on ourselves. Living with pain is rough, isn't it? [QUOTE=SnowOwl]Schell, you aren't whining.  If there's a place we should feel safe to come and discuss our problems, our concerns, ask for support, it's this place, why else are we here.  I'm glad the Enbrel is working, and sorry the Prednisone brought about distressing changes to your system.  That's the sort of trade-off so many of us have to consider, to worry about, to accept, to cope with long-term.  It's good to have a place of meeting of minds who have constructive advice, and if not that then to say at least, "I understand", a place to vent some of the emotions we don't always feel we can release elsewhere.  We're all in this together.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for this...I feel like I whine a lot to my family, and I am so sure they are tired of hearing it! Somedays it is just so hard to not! Especially when it seems as if once you get this stupid disease, it is just one thing after another! What next, you know?

Thanks everyone for their support!
[QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree]I guess it's just going to take my body a while to get used to no prednisone. I wonder how long it takes?
[/QUOTE]
Wannabe, PLEASE contact you doctors. Increased fatigue can be an early sign of adrenal insufficiency. Any time any one has been on pred for a length of time reporting symptoms such as you detailed is a must.

Your health is too important to take ANY chance. ...
Shug- I tend to poo poo things and tell myself just to buck up but I have my GYN appt. Saturday and I will mention it to him, along with my bloating. I know he's not an expert in that area but if he's unsure he can say call your RD.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com