Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

[Guest guest]

Since being diagnosed (reluctantly by the doctor) with hypo following a TSH of

4.83 (.50--4.50), I've been on 75 mcg Levoxyl for at least four months, with a

large number of symptoms. My TSH was down to 1.01 (.04--4.0) on 4/26, and

recently down even further, to .49. But no improvement in symptoms, which seem

even worse.

I've left the endo I was seeing (for diabetes, initially), for obvious rea-

sons, and have been " making do " with my internist (kind and open-minded but not

up to speed) while I await an initial appointment with a new and rave- reviewed

endo on Aug 25.

Although both endo and internist nixed the idea that the cause of my hypo was of

any importance, and declined to test me for auto-immune or adrenal problems (as

Levoxyl instructions indicate) before starting me on meds, I have now finally

gotten a cortrosyn stimulation test coming up within a few days. (Had one just

over a year ago, which was apparently normal, but I have been under enormous and

unrelenting stress from various sources for decades, if not my whole life.

About the cortrosyn test, does anyone know:

1. Is any special preparation needed before the test?

2. How accurate is the test?

3. Is this the only test needed to establish adrenal insufficiency (and is that

the same as having cortisol levels that are too high?)

4. I know the test is supposed to be taken " early in the morning, " when

cortisol(?) levels are highest. But I'm on a somewhat abnormal sleep cycle,

though much improved from a year ago. I get to sleep by 2 or 3, and up 9 or 10

(normally). They want me there by 9am, which I'm not sure is the right time for

my body at the moment. Any thoughts?

Many, many thanks,

[Guest guest]

With all of this information out here about what is realistically and

effectively required to make a proper or even reasonably sane diagnosis

don't you think it is about time patients banded together and opted to

SUE inadequate practitioners.

For loss of potential wellness.

Just because health is an emotive subject and an imperfect science,

person to person, is no excuse for some light of logic not to be shone

on its enterprise. Nor for professionalism to be properly and

regularly challenged.

>

>

> Since being diagnosed (reluctantly by the doctor) with hypo

following a TSH of 4.83 (.50--4.50), I've been on 75 mcg Levoxyl for

at least four months, with a large number of symptoms. My TSH was

down to 1.01 (.04--4.0) on 4/26, and recently down even further, to

..49. But no improvement in symptoms, which seem even worse.

>

> I've left the endo I was seeing (for diabetes, initially), for

obvious rea- sons, and have been " making do " with my internist (kind

and open-minded but not up to speed) while I await an initial

appointment with a new and rave- reviewed endo on Aug 25.

>

> Although both endo and internist nixed the idea that the cause of my

hypo was of any importance, and declined to test me for auto-immune or

adrenal problems (as Levoxyl instructions indicate) before starting me

on meds, I have now finally gotten a cortrosyn stimulation test coming

up within a few days. (Had one just over a year ago, which was

apparently normal, but I have been under enormous and unrelenting

stress from various sources for decades, if not my whole life.

>

> About the cortrosyn test, does anyone know:

>

> 1. Is any special preparation needed before the test?

>

> 2. How accurate is the test?

>

> 3. Is this the only test needed to establish adrenal insufficiency

(and is that the same as having cortisol levels that are too high?)

>

> 4. I know the test is supposed to be taken " early in the morning, "

when cortisol(?) levels are highest. But I'm on a somewhat abnormal

sleep cycle, though much improved from a year ago. I get to sleep by

2 or 3, and up 9 or 10 (normally). They want me there by 9am, which

I'm not sure is the right time for my body at the moment. Any thoughts?

>

> Many, many thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

you are gonna get mixed messages from this board about the cortisol

test. Sounds like they are doing a blood test which isn't going to be

accurate no matter what. Your cortisol levels will change throughout the

day so you need to be tested throughout the day using saliva. You'll get

way more feedback on the subject I'm sure:)

CW

-- Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

Since being diagnosed (reluctantly by the doctor) with hypo following a TSH

of 4.83 (.50--4.50), I've been on 75 mcg Levoxyl for at least four months,

with a large number of symptoms. My TSH was down to 1.01 (.04--4.0) on 4/26,

and recently down even further, to .49. But no improvement in symptoms,

which seem even worse.

I've left the endo I was seeing (for diabetes, initially), for obvious rea-

sons, and have been " making do " with my internist (kind and open-minded but

not up to speed) while I await an initial appointment with a new and rave-

reviewed endo on Aug 25.

Although both endo and internist nixed the idea that the cause of my hypo

was of any importance, and declined to test me for auto-immune or adrenal

problems (as Levoxyl instructions indicate) before starting me on meds, I

have now finally gotten a cortrosyn stimulation test coming up within a few

days. (Had one just over a year ago, which was apparently normal, but I have

been under enormous and unrelenting stress from various sources for decades,

if not my whole life.

About the cortrosyn test, does anyone know:

1. Is any special preparation needed before the test?

2. How accurate is the test?

3. Is this the only test needed to establish adrenal insufficiency (and is

that the same as having cortisol levels that are too high?)

4. I know the test is supposed to be taken " early in the morning, " when

cortisol(?) levels are highest. But I'm on a somewhat abnormal sleep cycle,

though much improved from a year ago. I get to sleep by 2 or 3, and up 9 or

10 (normally). They want me there by 9am, which I'm not sure is the right

time for my body at the moment. Any thoughts?

Many, many thanks,

[Guest guest]

what is happening now is that patients on support groups like this one are

using holistic ideas to get well, just b/c that is what works! the system in

place is an allopathic system, matching drugs to symptoms, and it doesn't work

well. (except in a crisis).

hopefully there will be big lawsuits someday and I will be one of the

litigants.

Gracia

With all of this information out here about what is realistically and

effectively required to make a proper or even reasonably sane diagnosis

don't you think it is about time patients banded together and opted to

SUE inadequate practitioners.

For loss of potential wellness.

Just because health is an emotive subject and an imperfect science,

person to person, is no excuse for some light of logic not to be shone

on its enterprise. Nor for professionalism to be properly and

regularly challenged.

--- In

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[Guest guest]

the blood test was " normal " for me and I am still taking cortef 5mg 4X a day.

I think you might be able to order the saliva testing yourself from the net.

maybe your doc would go along with testing from http://www.antibodyassay.com?

maybe you should go doctor shopping?

I think you would feel better on enough Armour and iodine (Iodoral).

Gracia

Since being diagnosed (reluctantly by the doctor) with hypo following a TSH of

4.83 (.50--4.50), I've been on 75 mcg Levoxyl for at least four months, with a

large number of symptoms. My TSH was down to 1.01 (.04--4.0) on 4/26, and

recently down even further, to .49. But no improvement in symptoms, which seem

even worse.

I've left the endo I was seeing (for diabetes, initially), for obvious rea-

sons, and have been " making do " with my internist (kind and open-minded but not

up to speed) while I await an initial appointment with a new and rave- reviewed

endo on Aug 25.

Although both endo and internist nixed the idea that the cause of my hypo was

of any importance, and declined to test me for auto-immune or adrenal problems

(as Levoxyl instructions indicate) before starting me on meds, I have now

finally gotten a cortrosyn stimulation test coming up within a few days. (Had

one just over a year ago, which was apparently normal, but I have been under

enormous and unrelenting stress from various sources for decades, if not my

whole life.

About the cortrosyn test, does anyone know:

1. Is any special preparation needed before the test?

2. How accurate is the test?

3. Is this the only test needed to establish adrenal insufficiency (and is

that the same as having cortisol levels that are too high?)

4. I know the test is supposed to be taken " early in the morning, " when

cortisol(?) levels are highest. But I'm on a somewhat abnormal sleep cycle,

though much improved from a year ago. I get to sleep by 2 or 3, and up 9 or 10

(normally). They want me there by 9am, which I'm not sure is the right time for

my body at the moment. Any thoughts?

Many, many thanks,

[Guest guest]

the 24 hour urine test is more accurate than the 24 hour salvia.

From: Crystal

Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 6:07 AM

hypothyroidism

Subject: Re: Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

you are gonna get mixed messages from this board about the cortisol

test. Sounds like they are doing a blood test which isn't going to be

accurate no matter what. Your cortisol levels will change throughout the

day so you need to be tested throughout the day using saliva. You'll get

way more feedback on the subject I'm sure:)

CW

-- Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

Since being diagnosed (reluctantly by the doctor) with hypo following a TSH

of 4.83 (.50--4.50), I've been on 75 mcg Levoxyl for at least four months,

with a large number of symptoms. My TSH was down to 1.01 (.04--4.0) on 4/26,

and recently down even further, to .49. But no improvement in symptoms,

which seem even worse.

I've left the endo I was seeing (for diabetes, initially), for obvious rea-

sons, and have been " making do " with my internist (kind and open-minded but

not up to speed) while I await an initial appointment with a new and rave-

reviewed endo on Aug 25.

Although both endo and internist nixed the idea that the cause of my hypo

was of any importance, and declined to test me for auto-immune or adrenal

problems (as Levoxyl instructions indicate) before starting me on meds, I

have now finally gotten a cortrosyn stimulation test coming up within a few

days. (Had one just over a year ago, which was apparently normal, but I have

been under enormous and unrelenting stress from various sources for decades,

if not my whole life.

About the cortrosyn test, does anyone know:

1. Is any special preparation needed before the test?

2. How accurate is the test?

3. Is this the only test needed to establish adrenal insufficiency (and is

that the same as having cortisol levels that are too high?)

4. I know the test is supposed to be taken " early in the morning, " when

cortisol(?) levels are highest. But I'm on a somewhat abnormal sleep cycle,

though much improved from a year ago. I get to sleep by 2 or 3, and up 9 or

10 (normally). They want me there by 9am, which I'm not sure is the right

time for my body at the moment. Any thoughts?

Many, many thanks,

[Guest guest]

lmneedham wrote:

>

> With all of this information out here about what is realistically and

> effectively required to make a proper or even reasonably sane diagnosis

> don't you think it is about time patients banded together and opted to

> SUE inadequate practitioners.

>

> For loss of potential wellness....

Since the courts are already clogged with lawsuits here in the most

litigious country on the planet, judges are quite happy to throw out

charges they consider frivolous. To get past that hurdle, the damages

need to be substantial, not something as vague or unprovable as a

potentiality for wellness. Furthermore, you need to have evidence that

the damage was directly caused by your doctor being either malicious or

negligent. This will be difficult when the " inadequate practitioners "

are just following guidelines established by the pharmaceutical companies.

You might go after those companies instead, but their guidelines were

all carefully crafted by a large combined team of researchers and

lawyers, working hard to make them consistent with what is in the

published literature. This is so THEY can avoid lawsuits. To make one

stick, you pretty much have to catch them red handed falsifying

published research or ignoring work that contradicts their guidelines.

It does not make much sense for them to employ a large staff of lawyers

to advise them not to do anything like that, only to ignore that advice.

There would need to be enough money at stake for the lawsuit to be a

trivial expense.

Good luck with that.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

But our National Health system should be accountable. The body of

evidence of Thyroid patients experience should have some weight.

>

> >

> > With all of this information out here about what is realistically and

> > effectively required to make a proper or even reasonably sane

diagnosis

> > don't you think it is about time patients banded together and opted to

> > SUE inadequate practitioners.

> >

> > For loss of potential wellness....

>

> Since the courts are already clogged with lawsuits here in the most

> litigious country on the planet, judges are quite happy to throw out

> charges they consider frivolous. To get past that hurdle, the damages

> need to be substantial, not something as vague or unprovable as a

> potentiality for wellness. Furthermore, you need to have evidence that

> the damage was directly caused by your doctor being either malicious or

> negligent. This will be difficult when the " inadequate practitioners "

> are just following guidelines established by the pharmaceutical

companies.

>

> You might go after those companies instead, but their guidelines were

> all carefully crafted by a large combined team of researchers and

> lawyers, working hard to make them consistent with what is in the

> published literature. This is so THEY can avoid lawsuits. To make one

> stick, you pretty much have to catch them red handed falsifying

> published research or ignoring work that contradicts their guidelines.

>

> It does not make much sense for them to employ a large staff of lawyers

> to advise them not to do anything like that, only to ignore that

advice.

> There would need to be enough money at stake for the lawsuit to be a

> trivial expense.

>

> Good luck with that.

>

> Chuck

>

[Guest guest]

it will become accountable if we ever get national health care. we will not

find it acceptable to pay for disease maintenance anymore.

Gracia

But our National Health system should be accountable. The body of

evidence of Thyroid patients experience should have some weight.

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[Guest guest]

If that happens you will have a bureaucracy with the compassion of the

IRS and the efficiency of NASA [$800 hammers, anyone?] running your

health care. IMHO about the most ill thought out idea that anyone has

ever presented here.

>

> Re: Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

>

<hypothyroidism/message/39953;_ylc=X3oDMTJxMWhwYTk\

1BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzE0NTY2NARncnBzcElkAzE3MDkyNTEwODIEbXNnSWQDMzk5NTMEc2V\

jA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTIxNTQ3NzU0MQ-->

>

>

>

> Posted by: " Gracia " circe@...

> <mailto:circe@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Cortrosyn%20Stimulation%20Test>

> graciabee <graciabee>

>

>

> Mon Jul 7, 2008 3:22 pm (PDT)

>

>

> it will become accountable if we ever get national health care. we

> will not find it acceptable to pay for disease maintenance anymore.

> Gracia

>

> But our National Health system should be accountable. The body of

> evidence of Thyroid patients experience should have some weight.

>

> ---

[Guest guest]

oh! you mean like medicare/medicaid? don't you have that?

Gracia

If that happens you will have a bureaucracy with the compassion of the

IRS and the efficiency of NASA [$800 hammers, anyone?] running your

health care. IMHO about the most ill thought out idea that anyone has

ever presented here.

>

>

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[Guest guest]

The Medicare/Medicade hoax was presented in the '60's by the liberal

" great society " supporters with a combined projected cost in constant

dollars by 1990 of ten billion per year. The actual cost was over 200

billion; rather typical for liberal projections. Further, the costs and

inefficiency of same is responsible for much of the massive increase of

health care costs to everyone. So when the liberals start telling you

what national health care is going to cost multiply it by 20 and you

will probably be in the ball park.

I have Medicare; Medicade is a welfare program I think. Since I also

have gap insurance I have absolutely no incentive to not spend any

amount of [tax] money on health care, as it is covered 100% except for

prescriptions. Actually, I do have one reason: a moral imperative; but

that seems to be lacking in a lot of people.

My recent colonoscopy and endoscopic procedure [out patient] resulted in

a bill in excess of $10,000 for the hospital alone [i know Medicare paid

much less]. It probably took a total of about half an hour.

The patients with whom you work: What percentage of them are on

Medicare/Medicade? What would you say is the quality of their care?

Would you treat a dog the way some of them are treated???

Consider also: Bureaucracies tend to work by written guidelines; and

anything outside of the norm gets canned. Any kind of alternative or

none standard care would be tend to be eliminated. It's rather

surprising that acupuncture and chiropractors are still sometimes covered.

>

> Re: Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

>

<hypothyroidism/message/39970;_ylc=X3oDMTJxMG9scmV\

wBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzE0NTY2NARncnBzcElkAzE3MDkyNTEwODIEbXNnSWQDMzk5NzAEc2V\

jA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTIxNTUxNDk0NQ-->

>

>

>

> Posted by: " Gracia " circe@...

> <mailto:circe@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Cortrosyn%20Stimulation%20Test>

> graciabee <graciabee>

>

>

> Mon Jul 7, 2008 6:30 pm (PDT)

>

>

> oh! you mean like medicare/medicaid? don't you have that?

> Gracia

>

> If that happens you will have a bureaucracy with the compassion of the

> IRS and the efficiency of NASA [$800 hammers, anyone?] running your

> health care. IMHO about the most ill thought out idea that anyone has

> ever presented here.

>

>