Synacthen test

[Aleahcim]

Has anyone had this test please and how did they get on? I am going to the RVI tomorrow for this procedure.

[Clutter]

Aleahcim, It's not something I have experience of. There are posts about the synacthen test in this link healthunlocked.com/search/S...

I hope all goes well tomorrow

[MULLIONAIRE in reply to Clutter]

Hi,

I have had this test twice and it would be good for you to check out this protocol pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/dn... .

It can be seen that there are several synacthen tests. They are not 100% reliable testing for cortisol particularly if you have pituitary dysfunction (low hormones). The test is best done before 10am and if any later will be even less reliable. It is only a first line test; the second line 'gold' standard test is the Insulin Tolerance Test. However, once again the endocrinologist has to use his discretion on which test is best for you, in my case I had the Glucaogon Tolerance Test and the improvement in my health since being on hydrocortisone to replace my cortisol is amazing.

It is essential to get yourself clued up as a lot of the medical staff seem to know little about the protocols.

Dr Barth whose website I have referred to, is a member of a special group at the Society for Endocrinology set up to investigate the testing problems, so his site is a good place to gather endocrine information from.

Good luck.

[carolinep]

Hi, I had this test done about 18 months ago. I had been really poorly with lots of problems since starting Levothyroxine, and my Consultant wanted to make sure it was just my thyroid that wasn't working properly. Before I was diagnosed, I had a complete fear of needles, which I have had to overcome because of the number of blood tests I have had done. I was really scared about this.

I can't help you out with the technical side of things, but from my experience it was fine, and not the painful and terrible procedure I built it up to be in my head. I had the short test, and for me it went as follows:

A fine needle inserted in my arm in much the same way as a normal blood test, only a line is attached and a sample of blood is drawn. Through the line fluid is administered which wasn't painful and caused no reaction in me that I was aware of. After 30 mins another blood sample is taken, and the needle and line is removed. I laid on the bed during my test, and I felt nothing in terms of side effects or a response from my body.

When I got the results a few days later, my adrenals had responded in the anticipated manner, and there were certainly no after effects.

I have moved on quite a bit since this test, as my problem is the side effects caused by the various different brands of Levothyroxine, rather than a thyroid problem as such. My under active thyroid is easy to control, unfortunately its the brands/batches that make me feel so ill.

I hope you get on well tomorrow, in terms of your experience I am sure its nothing to worry about, or be nervous of.

[Angel_of_the_North]

Take tissues. I just cried and cried througout. No idea why. Just couldn't stop.

[Glynisrose]

This test is a farce but if you have it it has to be as early in the day as possible. I say its a farce because doctors do not know the difference between adrenal FATIGUE and adrenal FAILURE.

[Hidden]

Waste of time, do not bother. I posted at length about my experience

[Hidden]

I had this test, maybe 2 years ago. I fainted and was nearly sick. I do have a phobia of needles. I can manage thyroid blood tests just about. I was told that mine was fine, though like others suggest I needn't have bothered as it does not show whether I have adrenal fatigue. Done a questionnaire online and it showed that I have severe adrenal fatigue, which I believe is right.

[haggisplant]

Hi. I've just got back from the RVI and this exact test. I felt a little better afterwards. Any think this is normal?