Adrenal fatigue

[kitcat49]

My chiropractor thinks given my long time stressful life(33 yrs living with alcoholic) could have resulted in this condition. I have chronic lower back pain,weakness and pain in knees and ankles,constant fatique and of course cll and fibromyalgia..What a mess eh? Does anyone else suffer these symptoms?

[Newdawn Administrator]

It's a difficult one kitcat because there wouldn't appear to be a definitive test for 'adrenal fatigue' which isn't accepted by some medics as a real medical condition.

Adrenal insufficiency is however a totally different matter and can be life threatening. This is detected by a ACTH stimulation test.

niddk.nih.gov/health-inform...

I certainly believe that chronic and unrelenting stress plays havoc on the system and when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, the hormones cortisol, epinephrine and glucagon were causing my liver to release massive amounts of glucose through the night so I awoke with very high glucose levels. I have no doubt that stress increases all manner of physical symptoms of ill health and stress causes my BG to go sky high!

And I'm sure many of us experience the symptoms you describe but would find our doctors would look elsewhere for medical explanation.

I've heard the expression 'adrenal fatigue' used many times as a coverall for a whole range of symptoms which may be attributable to other conditions. It's also been called the '21st Century Stress Syndrome'. Like ME, some medics are unfortunately sceptical. They maintain there is no science to support the theory that long-term mental, emotional or physical stress drains the adrenal glands.

You could try discussing this with your doctor but unless you're displaying symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, it may be he'll simply view the symptoms as CLL and lifestyle related. Repeated stress like you've experienced has a cumulative effect and surely must impact on overall wellness. You must have lived under intolerance stress at times!

There are 'adrenal fatigue diets' on the net and even quizzes to identify if you're suffering from it.

I think only minimising your stress levels, increasing exercise, eating well and finding a more peaceful existence will help. However, only your doctor can pursue the possibility of 'adrenal insufficiency' and refer you to an endocrinologist for a diagnosis.

But your chiropractor sounds very switched on and responsive even though many medics won't accept her 'diagnosis.'

Best Wishes,

Newdawn

[kitcat49 in reply to Newdawn]

Newdawn...Thank you so much for your reply,'Hubby' was killed in car acc. in 2003. I keep my life stress free as possible and being fully retired and financially secure,life is good. I have decided just yesterday to follow the adrenal/anti inflamatory diets so hopefully 'can't hurt might help'. Take care..Cat

[ygtgo]

Hi kitcat

The ygtgo book on life clearly states that ... the things placed on your plate are never/must never be things that you would have ordered.

I can prove this .... whatever happened to the fine multi talented healthy handsome (sic) ... young sportsman who had it all going for him ?

The answer is a simple one word response .... Oww!

You of course know this .... "What a mess eh?" ... is the equal to my adage ... " This is ridiculous "

To make matters worse ... I am being haunted/stalked by some old guy every time that I pass by a reflective surface ....

I am tired of fatigue ... shingles are a sore spot ... CLL makes my blood boil ... health complaints are a pain ... and the seven year itch is just another infection.

Seriously though, I am sorry that you have to put up with the "mess" ... and I hope that you 'treat' yourself every now and then to some personal indulgence, be it 'good for you' or not ... it's lifes little 'victories' that keep us going.

Steve