Hi Joe,

My neurologist also ordered me to take Prednisone in that fist 6 month period before I had the spinal tap. I was too messed up to notice any negative effects from taking it.

I think you might just want to go for it though, it helps to reduce any inflammation that might exist.

Also, I want to mention that before you see Dr. Friedman that you might just ask your PCP for a hormone panel with the following hormones.

» 0800 Cortisol levels (<12 mcg/dl, recommend follow up)
» IGF — 1 Insulin–like Growth Factor (anything less than 200 ng/ml needs stimulation testing, people after sustaining mtbi can have "normal" IGF-1 levels and still be growth hormone deficient)
» TSH — Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (anything above 3.0 mIU/L or below .3 mIU/L may be "subclinical" and should be investigated further or treated)
» FT4 — Free Thyroxine
» LH — Luteinizing Hormone
» Testosterone (males only)
» FSH — Follicle Stimulating Hormone
» Estradiol (females only)

You should also test for:

TPO - Thyroid Antibodies
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron

The opinions from Dr.'s can vary on each of these results as to what should be considered "normal" or "average".

You might have one that's borderline that is slowing you down and needs a supplement or stimulation testing, but for that kind of thing then you should go see Dr. Friedman because he is MUCH easier to deal with than the average endocrinologist.

Just check them with a simply blood test to see where you're at before investing more time and money into it.

Get the Spinal Tap.

Take the Prednisone.

The prednisone might effect the hormone levels... there might be a waiting time to get them tested after taking the prednisone or maybe you should get the hormone blood panel taken before starting the prednisone.

Feel free to PM me with any questions you might have.