adrenals function and steroids

[Italybound62]

when taking 4mg methylprednisolone, if there are no current signs of fatigue or other bothersome symptoms. Does this mean adrenals are working on their own?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

On their way, but you still need to be aware that although they may be okay when they are jogging along on an even keel… but they may struggle should they be put under stress.

Plus they may take anything up to a year after being off Pred for them to be fully functional.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

tar!!! Predictive text strikes again!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Pfutt! Ta..

[SnazzyD]

They sound like they are doing enough to get you through a normal day along with what you’re getting from the 4mg. This is great as many don’t get this far without trouble. However, you don’t know if they would cope in an emergency or if you suddenly took the 4mg away. So slow reductions will help not rock the boat and always have Pred with you and a medic alert in case of an emergency. Keep up the good work.

[CocoaChanel in reply to SnazzyD]

I’m new to PMR. Interested in what an ‘emergency’ looks like and what is a ‘medic alert’?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to CocoaChanel]

In this respect when adrenals are struggling to get going again when you are on lower doses of Pred after being asleep due to long term steroids..if you find yourself in a stressful situation of any sort.. they will not leap into action and provide extra adrenaline as they would normally in the “flight or fight” situation.

Also, a “medic alert” probably means a card plus a bracelet/wristband, or something on phone to advise you are on long term steroids which cannot suddenly be discontinued.

This link from the FAQs explains in more detail -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD in reply to CocoaChanel]

Sorry, I mean like a bracelet or necklace that has the medic insignia on it and contains a slip of paper that tells any medic what you have been on and are on now in terms of Pred and other major meds. They might need to give you a shot of hydrocortisone to get you through a physical crisis, especially if you are unable to tell them for some reason.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not necessarily - the 4mg is both enough to suppress cortisol production AND enough to compensate for its lack. But if you feel OK, it is most likely that things are going as they should and recovery is on its way. But as Snazzy says - the test is what happens in an emergency so don't be complacent.

[Italybound62 in reply to PMRpro]

🤞

[Italybound62]

it just occurred to me to mention. 2 months ago I started taking Hydroxychloroquine and also an adrenal support supplement. Not sure if either of these are what are helping.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Italybound62]

What adrenal support supplement? You do need to be careful - there is some strange stuff available.

[Italybound62]

I go in person to a local reputable health food store and see a nutritionist. Its basically a compound of vitamins C, riboflavin. Niacin, B6 and other natural proprietary ingredients.