Adrenals

[deeperpurple]

Im down to 4mg pred daily Im a bit achey but it wears off after a bit I just wanted to ask when will I know my adrenals are working thanks

[SnazzyD]

in a nutshell, you shouldn’t feel anything. You are able to go about your day not feeling tired, empty, nauseated, emotional, shakey etc.

[deeperpurple in reply to SnazzyD]

thanks I see what you mean apart from what I said about a few morning aches Im good most of the time good enough for a few cold ones this afternoon lol

[SnazzyD in reply to deeperpurple]

However, when you leave the house remember to wear some sort of medical alert to say you are on steroids and take some spare pills. The reason is that on a daily basis your adrenal glands might be fine and giving out enough cortisol (plus the Pred). If you have a fall or shock or something and they need to give you a whallop of cortisol they might not be able to just yet. For me it was sustained physical or emotional stress over a day that did for me on a few occasions. One minute I was ok and the next I was a wreck and feeling very ill. As DL says it can take a year for reliable function to occur but for me it was over 18 months. The way I found out was by having the odd crisis, not planned. Sounds like you’re ok on a daily basis which is great.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is more about not knowing they are working - but feeling something if they aren't ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ditto to other replies -but just aware they may not be fully functioning for up to a year after coming off Pred.

PS - agree with SnazzyD about steroid card & steroids

[Pollyanna16]

I am on 3.5mg indefinitely for Adrenal Insufficiency & generally feel ok. But as others have said any real anxiety or too much going on in my life I start to struggle. I realised 2 weeks ago I just had to stop & reboot. After travelling, various meetings & 2 golf days in extreme humidity I just folded. So pleased the air is clearer now & feeling fine. Another period of travel & seeing relatives coming up though! Take care x