Adrenal glands

[Wbednell]

Does anyone know the name of the test for the adrenal activity I asked my rummi for one at my last meeting he said he didn't think there was one thank you

William Bednell

[jinasc]

1. Change your Rheumy

2. Synacthen Test, shortened form ACTH.

Put it in your search engine, download, print and give it to him.

[Soraya_PMR]

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

🙄 rolls eyes at your rheumi!

(My dog has Cushings, and she was having an ACTH stimulation test every month. The vets don’t get in a lather about this test like the docs seem to)

[Telian]

Goodness me William...you've got the info now I see. ATB

[PMRnewbie2017]

That's scary to hear that a consultant doesn't know about a Synacthen test. It's pretty basic medical school knowledge. I was even taught it in pharmacy school!!

[granny-b]

Hi William. I am having a 'short synacthen test' next week. It was preceded by a cortisol blood test. I am down to 4/5mg prednisolone. I think you need to be fairly low prednisolone for it to be worthwhile. Hope this helps.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You have the name - and I'm appalled a rheumatologist who must use pred A LOT doesn't know about it! There isn't a lot of point doing it until you have got down to about 5mg or so though.

[Singr]

Can I ask what it is and why needed. I’m seeing a Rhumy on 16th. And not the second opinion I was supposed to be getting at local hospital. Still not managed to get none density test. Hoping I manage not to punch this one as I’ve been without a rhumy and crap GP advice. For example, last week GP conversation telling me my blood tests are normal I don’t have a PMR any more. 🤬🤬🤬. Still on 9 mg pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Singr]

The synacthen or ACTH stimulation test is to see if your adrenal glands are still capable to producing cortisol - they take a blood sample to measure baseline cortisol, give an injection and take another blood sample. If the adrenal glands can make cortisol - it rises. Until your pred dose is below about 7mg there isn't any point having it done and even then it needs to be a doctor who understands how to interpret it.

Of course your bloods are normal - you're taking enough pred to combat the inflammation. Duh!!!!!!

[powerwalk]

Crikey thats just scary!! When I started Pred I got swelings over my clavical bones and the front of my throat. I didn't know what they were and I asked my Rhumy on my second visit - she hadn't a clue!! So I googled it and there it was - one of the main side effects of Pred - why would she not know that and she prescribing it all the time. Just makes you wonder where their heads are. Hope you get it sorted.

[Jackoh]

😱😱Can't believe it can you!!

[carolpatriarco01]

I know where their heads are he he he😲

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to carolpatriarco01]

Somewhere the sun don't shine...