Can someone please tell me if I need to have my adrenal cortisol levels checked?! or could this be my kidneys?

[matahari]

Approximately two months ago I started a new prescription of Liothyronine 5mcg and restarted my Hydroxychloroquine on March 3. I am presently taking Synthroid 137mcg, Hydroxychloroquine 200mg twice daily, Acetazolamide 250mg twice daily, Jentodueto 2.5mg/850mg tabs twice daily, Amlodipine-Benazaprine 5/20mg once daily and Potassium Chloride. I am hypothyroid, diabetic type 2, lupus sle, pseudotumor cerebri, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, possible Sjogren's and bipolar. I have insomnia, major muscle and joint pain (rheumatoid arthritis), severe night sweats waking up in a pool of sweat and what I think is rosacea and blepharitis in my face, nose and eyes (I have an ophthalmology appointment scheduled) as well as a rheumatology appointment scheduled for the Sjogren's. I am always HOT until I turn cold. I had lost 30 pounds but I recently regained it within about 4 months. I have to take the acetazolamide for the pseudotumor cerebri because it causes severe pain, intracranial swelling and temporary paralysis if it becomes to bad. I am also urinating more frequently than ever. I also suffer with SEVERE ANXIETY. Can someone please tell me if I need to have my adrenal cortisol levels checked?! Could this be something going on with my kidneys? My eyes have this rash on them so badly that they are almost closed shut when I wake up in the mornings. I think this has to do with the heat intolerance and sweating and I am using Artificial Tears for the dryness and I use Aquaphor Ointment as a moisturizer. When my anxiety is high, I can feel my skin start to tingle and I feel like I am having an allergic reaction. My face and body hair have all but disappeared. I know my eyebrows and hair thinning can be blamed on lupus and hypothyroidism. I also have dark patches (like the skin has thickened) on my face and arms. I am just getting sick and tired of something new happening healthwise especially when I add a new medicine to the mix and I have been so depressed and miserable. I have been using melatonin, valerian and Ibuprofen PM to sleep at night, but I know the Ibuprofen PM is not good for my kidneys. I still wake up through the night. My insurance refuses to pay for Ambien (sleep med) because it is a controlled substance in the US. I also know that if my adrenal cortisol levels are off, my T4 will be affected for the worst. I just went to my Endo on March 3rd and I am waiting for my lab results. I probably also need to have my iron (ferritin), selenium, vitamin B and D levels checked. Six months ago this seemed so much easier. Now, I am in more pain than ever. I am really worried and angry! Some of these symptoms I have had for over 30 years and with the new ones, I know things are probably getting worse. Between the internet and what I feel is the incompetence of my doctors, I feel so angry because I think not enough has been done to help me. I am having to do all the work and then I have to fight and pay them all my money to get what I need. And then I still suffer.

[ghana60]

So sorry to hear you have suffered so much - really hope you get some expert help soon Wish I knew what to suggest but sounds really complex. Wishing you well

[matahari in reply to ghana60]

am going to call my Endo this morning and have them schedule what I need. After reading some more last night, I realize I might be having some problems with the T3. It is just adding more symptoms that I do not want to deal with. Feeling sick all the time is just no fun. Thanks.

[Hormone-mess]

I’m so sorry you have so many ailments. I am hypothyroid as well as have premature ovarian failure. The sleeping issues and frequent urination can be caused by both adrenals and hormones. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to have both checked. Maybe low progesterone?

[matahari in reply to Hormone-mess]

I apologize for my long post, but, after going online and using a symptom checker for possible diagnoses, I was left terrified! When 5 of the possible 10 diagnoses came back as cancer, I became sick and afraid. I just went to the doctor and told my Endo all of what was happening to me and came away with some unsatisfactory feelings. I am not the type to run to a doctor even if it is every six months for a followup. I really don't like going to the doctor because I don't want to be labelled as a hypochondriac. I have three upcoming doctor appointments (ophthamology, rheumatology, gastroenterology) due to having Sjogren's, gastrointestinal problems and lupus. I only hope nothing else springs up in the meantime. I will make sure that my adrenals and hormone levels are checked. Thanks and be well.

[matahari in reply to Hormone-mess]

Today my doctor's office called and informed me my T3 levels were too high and to stop taking the liothyronine. I had only been on it for 2 months! I will be going back to the T4 only. I will also be going to the lab Tuesday, March 27th to have my cortisol levels run. He feels like it is my adrenal glands. I am going to try to convince him to put me on Armor or NDT. I will also have my Rheumatologist test my hormone levels. In the meantime, he will be calling me in some cortisol medication. Thank you for responding to my post. It means so much because I was really scared. Please be well!