What does NHS treatment for adrenal insufficiency consist of?

If you get treatment, what is it and how were you diagnosed?

[rossilin600]

Hi bluedaffodil, the nhs test usually starts with short syncathen test and testing bp whilst laying down and standing, this for me then led on to a acth test for cortisol Andrew then a insulin tolerance test, which my endocrine nurse has said this is the gold standard test in nhs, not a nice test and if you have any heart probs they may not be able to do this they will do heart test first, all this for mr has led to a diagnosis of hypopituitarism and am now on 25mg cortisol daily and now going to start growth hormone injections, what are your symptons and have you asked for endo app, really feel for you as I have felt so very ill for a long long time and feel like I have very little quality of life, so now banking so much on these daily injections, let us know how you get on I wish you well

[Hidden in reply to rossilin600]

Hi Rossilin Was really interested to read your post. I'm going in for the syncathen test next week. I really hope you are feeling significantly better and the cortisol is working for you. I have been struggling with hashimotos/chronic fatigue/adrenal symptoms for years. Its bloody awful!! Would love to hear how you are doing

[rossilin600 in reply to Hidden]

I truly feel for you as like you have struggled for years, have never felt well on Levo but of course gp was only doing tsh test but apparently my pituitary may have been damaged after massive heamoraghing 30 years ago in childbirth called Sheehans all this was only discovered last year after insisting on seeing an endo. I have been recieving treatment for 15 months but injecting hgh daily for 7 months now, feeling better than before treatment (couldnt feel much worse though) but still have long way to go to feel anywhere near normal, I really believe the levo for hashi hypo is holding back recovery and am still fighting for ndt on nhs before going down route od buying privately. Can I ask what treatment you are on at moment and how long you have felt so ill and what hosp is doing your test?

[Hidden]

It usually consists of nothing.

Not many get treatment for it, as they ill usually only treat full-blown Addison's disease.

[Hidden]

Thanks both - picton, that's exactly what i thought which is why i'm thinking of cancelling a long synacthen test i'm down for. I just dont have the strength and i cannot risk feeling unwell after for an extended period as i am self sufficient + work full time (with difficulty)

Rossilin, looks like you are one of the few who actually gets treatment.

I got my own diagnosis for adrenal fatigue a year ago + an nhs text for morning cortisol off the scale in feb 13- and still they offered me jack. It is only because i asked for a test for adrenal insufficiency that they agreed to do it but i've been unable to ascertain what value if any will come from it.

I dont think i'm at addison's yet therefore i wont get treatment so why bother with this 1.5 day upheaval is my point.

Thanks guys, think i've made my mind up

[rossilin600 in reply to Hidden]

I am a bit baffled, was this an endo who diagnosed you a year ago and what tests did they do then to give you adrenal fatigue diagnosis and why have they not treated you for it with hydrocortisone, what area do you live in