cortisol test results

[Devoid]

what cortisol test results have members had that either got them an atch test or an endocrinologist referral??

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Will depend on the dose of pred you are on. Actually, if the GP does basal cortisol for you you can see if it is any point. A cortisol of under 100 at 5mg of pred doesn't mean much - under 100 at 3mg pred means a bit more and under 100 at 2mg pred probably means asking an endo might be useful. BUT they only look at getting you off pred and possibly introducing hydrocortisone to do it. If your PMR is nicely controlled with 2mg pred but still there, switching to HC might only result in a return of symptoms. Rheumies don't "get" endocrinology but endos are usually hopeless at rheumatology!

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

Your last sentence is certainly what my experience has been; no knowledge or expertise of the other one. If it wasn’t for my GP the idea of an Endocrinologist would have never occurred, even in view of my struggles with low adrenal function.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

Needless to say - Sarah Mackie works with the local endos! At the N&N the endos aren't interested, one rheumy is.

I have mooted a CofE in Leeds - Sarah thought an on-line discussion forum for PMR/GCA might be useful and attract participation.

[Devoid in reply to PMRpro]

I am lucky that my GP is very supportive, whilst rheumatologist just seems to have his own agenda , he had told my gp he didn’t routinely do endo referrals but then interfered when gp did refer, telling the endo I was on 5 mg pred , when this hasn’t been the case since November. I despair

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Devoid]

Didn't occur to him you just MIGHT be on less!!! It is what he wants after all ....

[Joseph14612 in reply to SnazzyD]

Same here...my GP referred me to an endocrinologist for high A1C....due to prednisone

[venezia1]

Hi - has anyone with no adrenal function due to prednisolone, been offered anything other than hydrocortisone? I am desperate to come off it - I've put on so much weight since starting on it most of my clothes don't fit anymore.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to venezia1]

The only options for replacement therapy for total adrenal insufficiency are to remain on pred or switch to hydrocortisone. It is a lack of the natural corticosteroid, cortisol, hydrocortisone is the manufactured drug with the same structure. But pred can also be used, it does the same thing in the body. If you have no natural cortisol, then you need either pred or HC, it is essential for life.

They both have the same adverse effects as corticosteroids - so I imagine the strict low carb approach so many use for pred will also make a difference if you are on HC,