gca and synacthen test.............

[karools16]

On 12 June I am having a Synacthen test. I am on 2 mg Pred. Today, the Consultant's office rang to say that 3 days before the test, I have to replace the Pred with..can't remember. I told them I was reluctant to take something new, and what side-effects. Also I take Warfarin.

Has anybody else had to stop Pred and take something else for 3 days prior?

[crusher013]

Hi

I had the Synacthen test last month and was told not to take my Pred on the morning of the test, but to bring it with me and take after the test.

No other medication was mentioned. Suggest you contact them and clarify why.

[karools16 in reply to crusher013]

Hello Crusher013. When I told them I was reluctant to start something new i.o. Pred, they said they would tell the Consultant and get back to me.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I've never seen that mentioned - usually they just say no pred for 24 hours beforehand - i.e. as crusher says, you don't take it that morning (and make sure the day before you have taken it early enough to be 24 hours before the test).

I imagine that they want you to take hydrocortisone - also a corticosteroid and they can give you the equivalent dose so it shouldn't make any difference although it has a shorter duration of action so you usually need to take 2 doses in a day. However, I agree I would be reluctant to risk a flare at this stage - and it is possible.

BUT - are you having problems? If you have got to 2mg and feel OK it does suggest that your adrenal function is doing OK so far. If you were having problems at say 5mg it would be a good idea to have the test done. At 2mg - why?

[karools16 in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro. No, no problems. When my Neuro handed me over to my GP, apparently he said I should have the test before I come off Pred. At that stage I was on 3 mg Pred. When the Consultant wrote to me, he said I should not reduce any further before the test. Haha, I reduced to 2 mg, as the test had a waiting period of 18 weeks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to karools16]

Well yes, in theory you should and it does answer the question "CAN my adrenal glands work?" It doesn't however tell you they ARE working. And if you feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 2mg my guess would be they are not only capable of working - but they are doing so!

[karools16 in reply to PMRpro]

I do so hope that.