Diana 1234's Journal, 09 May 24

Sorry love standard treatment treatment when they don't have any other ideas of what to do... Kind of what they did with my right eye they just blast you a steroids and hope. It's standard practice with most autoimmune diseases and other issues like that; not that makes a person confident in their ability to fix anything. I'm so sorry that you're going through this I know it has to be very stressful particularly knowing the outcome isn't guaranteed. I have a friend that has Cushing's disease I'll ask her about it maybe she has more information about her treatment that she could share with me that I can intern share with you. I'll be checking back in with you soon.  

Hrt steroids might be good for you as you lift. You will put on slabs of muscles!! 😂 if you are low on t lvls it can do more benefits than harm at this point. 

Diana i have been in adrenal failure for past several years. If they completely fail it becomes Addisons disease. It is scary. It also affects the metabolism which is partially why my calories are always so low; Currently i have just been on a supplement regiment with concentration on NO STRESS or as low as possible. Hydration is important for so many reasons as is exercise. I have had a 1 percent improvement in past year which apparently is pretty unusual so not all hope is lost. Im sorry honey. Steroids were not mentioned to me but my doc also knows how steroid averse i am.  

Super they are most likely talking about prednisone. Different class of steroid. 

Also, what were your homocysteine numbers? 

I googled adrenal fatigue and read it's not a diagnosable condition. I've had most of the symptoms you mention - fatigue, lethargy, joint pain, sleep issues. Not sure about brain fog though. I think most of my issues have to do with my weight and age. My sleep troubles are probably because of being retired and not following any kind of schedule (I've been since 2:45 this morning and wrote a really early journal). I've never had low blood pressure of dizziness and those would really concern me. Are there blood tests or other tests that check adrenal functions? Maybe you've had them done already. Sometimes it seems like the diagnosis depends on the doctor or type of specialist. I remember once a doctor telling me I had irritable bowel syndrome after all kinds of awful tests showed no problems. He sent me to a class with other people who had that condition. I went back to the doctor and told him I didn't have what those other people had. So he ordered blood tests and found an issue with my thyroid. Just a long way of suggesting you might want 2nd or 3rd opinions. 

Fritzy, from what Endocrinologist said is that adrenal fatigue is like what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was years ago. They used to say it wasn't a real disease as well. Now they know different. I believe the adrenal fatigue is what they are saying at this point. They also mentioned adrenal insufficiency. I may not have all info as they threw so much stuff at me all at once. Dr was pretty concerned. 🩷YOH, I was prescribed Fludrocortisone. I told Dr I didn't want to go the steroid route yet. I want to have more information. And yes he did a complete set of blood work but he did order more that I need to complete. I'm not sure what they are though. I think he will make his diagnosis after he has more complete information.  

Diana, first off I am praying for you. Secondly, I hope you find real answers and protocol for treatment that hopefully wont be steroids. Im all about alternatives too as first line of treatment. Lastly, my daughter experiences a lot of those very symptoms and I worry about her too. Very concerning, so many ppl are experiencing many of these symptoms you are, including hair loss fatigue etc. Very interested to hear what Drs come up with for you. I'm keeping you in prayer. Hang in there.  

Leah, thanks! Any information would be appreciated! I haven't felt well since Dec but kept thinking it was my pace maker or my thyroid. My symptoms are pretty general except for the dehydration, salt issue, and low standing BP. Like Fritzy said, those symptoms can be anything! What concerned him was the lying versus standing bp test in which I almost passed out and the blood results. 🩷 Super, I wish the steroids would work and help muscle growth but not sure about that..I think they will just make me fat ..😬 

I'm drinking extra water today thanks to you. I suggest acupuncture and bodywork. 

Diana, I don’t know if what I’ll say here is relevant for your situation, but here it is. I am on a thyroid hormone replacement pills and often struggle with my thyroid hormone levels getting out of whack. After a lot of observation of how my diet and thyroid interact, I came to the conclusion that fueling the body with good carbs (not just veg but fruit and whole grains—I’m not talking about sugary junk) is essential for my thyroid health. When you start looking into the science, it makes sense: it is pretty well established that low-carb/keto diets lower the conversion of T4 to T3. Low-carbers say that that’s ok because the body gets more sensitive to T3 on a low carb diet so it needs less of it, but I’m not sure that’s the case for me, and might not be for you, either. (By the way, thyroid tests can show T4 quite high in the normal range, while T3 just struggles to stay at the low end of it—did you notice that on your tests?) Getting a good amount of carbs a day is just good in my case for feeling well, even if it makes weight loss more challenging. I know that goes against how you and Yearofhealth feel about carbs, but putting in my two cents because I think this is more complicated for overall hormonal health. Anyway, I stopped for the last three months trying to lose to allow for some rest and better balancing of the thyroid and I noticed positive changes like my hair loss has stopped finally, etc. I also realized that with about 30 lbs to lose still, I need to do it really, really slowly not to compromise the thyroid and other hormonal system and will not be aggressive in cutting carbs down. 

Agnes, thanks for info. I have no thyroid so like you Im Uber aware of different symptoms from thyroid but this feels different. And you are right about carb consumption. I do watch carbs but not low like keto. I eat about 100-120 carbs a day. I try to have complex carbs and do eat grains . That; s interesting about T3 and T4! Thanks for all the interesting info. I really appreciate it..🩷 Windy Prayers are always appreciated! Thank you!! 

hope youget better Diana1234  

If you’ve never listened to Dr Livingood, (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram) he talks about your condition. He’s a Natural Doctor and believes if the body is given the correct Natural foods, it will heal itself. Barbara O’Neill is very good too. 

Yikes, Hate to hear this! My maternal grandma and dad both had thyroid disease.  

Sorry, Diana! I hope you get the answers you need asap! I don't know much about what you're discussing, but a good girlfriend of mine has cushing's disease, but her adrenals are on overdrive. She has excess cortisol, so her doctor keeps trying to get her to stop lifting weights. She just got a procedure done to test her adrenal glands. Her doctor may have to remove one or put her on medication to help her systems. All I know is that hormones are just such a mystery. Best of luck with your situation! 

systems = symptoms* 

Have you considered checking for toxins or mold in your home? I suffered from serious mold toxicity from a rental home and had several similar health issues. Only a handful of holistic doctors have been able to help me, and cutting out certain foods and illuminating toxins (fragrances, plastics, preservatives, etc.) have nearly healed me. No more thyroid issues, brain fog, neuropathy, and a whole list of other symptoms. 

I’ve heard to up the protein and also up your vit B intake. Seems like steroids would produce MORE cortisol which adrenal fatigue is caused by raising cortisol levels? If it were me, I’d reduce my carbs even more, increase protein and especially fat. That will really reduce cortisol levels which raises insulin levels. 

Novawolf, yep water is important for sure!🩷 Cregina, Mountainman, thanks! 🩷 Morticia My doctor said autoimmune diseases are hereditary. Be careful. 🩷 Thicmami, Thanks for all the concern, I am just learning about all this adrenal stuff. Kind of confusing. I just know Dr was pretty concerned especially after he did the lying/ standing bp test. 🩷