Is my adrenal gland working?

[Tonysue]

I’m down to 3mg after 4 years of Pred. for PMR. Should I ask for a test to see if my adrenal gland is working. Please would you tell me the symptoms I would have if it isn’t. Thank you.

[Dream21]

I was so extremely fatigued. I asked the doctor if I could have an adrenal test. He referred me. My adrenal was normal, but it definitely gave me comfort during an exhaustive and emotional time. It was hard on my body to wean those last 10 mg. If you feel concerned, ask for the test. It was simple. Good luck.

[Tonysue in reply to Dream21]

Thank you.

[SheffieldJane]

I think you’d know that something was deeply wrong. Tiredness, weakness pain around the kidney area. Ask for a Synacthen Test if you’re worried. It is by no means inevitable after steroid treatment.

[Tonysue in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you. Actually feeling better than I have done so will stop worrying,

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Along with the fatigue (which may just mean they are working, but not as well as they should be) you will probably get nausea, lightheadedness, anxiety, depression, going to the loo at lot.

Mine took ages, almost a year to get going properly whilst I was reducing between 6mg -3mg taking very small tapers and using my slow plan, but as I only had random bouts of fatigue I didn’t bother to get a test.

But by all means ask for one, then you’ll know if they are capable of working.

[SheffieldJane in reply to DorsetLady]

That is exactly how I feel. My Adrenals are working but about 30 points below par. I AM FED UP. 🙇‍♀️

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hang in there. They will eventually get the message.

[SheffieldJane in reply to DorsetLady]

I hope you are right! I know we forget, but in some ways this is the most challenging bit.

[Tonysue in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I will carry on for a while as I don’t have any strong symptoms. Just get tired easily and have felt very low but feel better recently.

[Tonysue in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. It’s made me feel better just knowing it’s going to take a long time. Seems endless sometimes doesn’t it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Tonysue]

It does seem endless. Plus I think we all assume that as we get lower on Pred then things will improve - and in some ways it does - no nasty side effects, but I don’t thing we really consider how debilitating sluggish Adrenal glands can be. The doctors don’t very often warn us about that either!

But you will get better, it’s really just a matter of time!

Take care.

[pollyg263]

i would think you would know. as you will still have pain , enough for yo to think. you need to up your pred, that is only what i think tho. someone else will come alomg with more advise. i am back down to 3 megs, been here before, but still got pain back, but this time at 3 no pain so i am hopeing pmr is on its way out after 6 years fingers xd.

hope you go on ok x

[Jim-CJ]

Absolutely Yes get the test.

Jim & CJ