How do I know if my adrenal gland is working properly? Will it work properly?

[Nagswoman]

Anyone got any ideas? I reduced the preds yesterday from 5mg to 4.5mg and have had the usual feeling for most of the day as though I have had a bucketload of caffeine. Fluttery feeling in chest, not palpitations though. Pulse good. Knackered. Beginnings of shoulder and neck pain that I can work through. If I get all this, does it mean adrenals are not there yet? Ta.

[SheffieldJane]

Hmmm, watch those pains and take it easy. Withdrawal pains, hopefully not flaring. With any luck your own Adrenal Glands are kicking into life. You could request a Synacthen Test to ensure that you are going to be able to produce your own Adrenaline well and sufficiently. You are doing great, good luck!

[Nagswoman]

Probably daft but we are volunteers at the London Winter Run on Sunday. Handing out medals at the finish. I think I may take my seat stick!

[Hidden in reply to Nagswoman]

One of those folding seat in a bag is a great thing to have. If it's a mid range one price wise it's a bit lighter than some of cheaper ones. Always have one in the back of my car. Hope the pains ease. My shoulders ALWAYS give me gip on a taper. You are doing really well and I hope you enjoy Sunday. 👍

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Difficult to say - but generally if they AREN'T you will notice eventually. Best is to ask for a synacthen test to see if they CAN work. Doesn't mean they are though - too many factors involved.

I'd take a seat, not a seat stick...

[Nap1 in reply to PMRpro]

TU Pro

[Lanakay]

I am tapering and have that fluttery feeling in my chest every morning about 4:00 am. My rheumatologist already increased my prednisone from 5mg back up to 7.5. I feel terrible every morning and it scares me. That makes it worse.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lanakay]

What time do you take your pred?

[Lanakay in reply to PMRpro]

I take 5mg in the am and 2.5mg at supper time. If you know a better way let me know. ThTs just what my rheumatologist said to do.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lanakay]

Have you always split your dose? Normally the entire dose should be taken in the morning but for some people it works better when split like that and occasionally you find a rheumy who knows that.

[Nagswoman]

I take mine somewhere between 7am and 8am.

[Lanakay]

I take 5mg I the morning and 2.5 at supper time. That was what my rheumatologist said to do. Is there a better way?