anyone with one adrenal gland ?

[Natz36]

hi is there anyone in this group that only has one adrenal gland ?

I have one as I had Cushing syndrome 2004 had my adrenal moved was taken off steroids etc once recovered.

I always have a fear that my other adrenal will give up 😢, although I had emergency surgery in December 2021 and they took some bloods once I mentioned I only had one adrenal gland they also rang endocrine and they said it was completely fine too go ahead .

Thanks

[Rollercoaster44]

hi, yes i only have one adrenal gland, had the other one removed back in 2009 due to a tumour. Like you i share the fear of what happens if the remiaing gland decides it is no longer happy. Have never had any follow up tests done so can only make assumption it’s ok at the moment.

[Natz36 in reply to Rollercoaster44]

thanks ! I’ve been told that I would know if my cortisol was dropping or addisons etc so I don’t know why I worry but I do and like you I don’t have any follow up appointments anymore either .

[Rollercoaster44 in reply to Natz36]

i have hashimotos too and will probably post something to the forum in a few days when i get latest blood results. I now seem to be under the care of a TSH obsessed GP who has reduced my LT4 i believe too low….now feeling far from well and do wonder if if it will put the adrenal under strain which is a worry.

[dealsgap]

There are "tests" given that will check cortisol levels. You can get them online if you want to actually see what/if your adrenal is working. I'm sure you would know by low/high cortisol symptoms otherwise (hypoadrenia/hyperadrenia). Also, you can get ACE (adrenal cortext extract) to help your adrenal(s) if you (by testing) are low.

[Natz36 in reply to dealsgap]

thanks yeah unfortunately all my symptoms are low ferritin now I’ve had my bloods back it just scares me so much and gives me PTSD as it was a horrible time when I had Cushing syndrome and the adrenal removed.

I remember it all so much even though it was years ago x