Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesfan
Hi again Mat52
I don't for a minute think you may have Addison's but there's a chance your adrenals have been depleted by some of the long term medications you've been on (as well as chronic illness). I'm no expert but I think Methotrexate for one can do that. Also have you been using Zopiclone long term - It doesn't affect the adrenals (just reread the data sheet a couple of days ago as I've used it sporadically) but it is not recommended for use more than 4 wks and can have side effects.
Here's a link to the NZ Medsafe website if you want to check it out:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/dat...piclonetab.pdf
Your GP could order a serum cortisol test to see if you're low. Usually done at 8am with fasting. Sodium & Potassium balance is also another indicator of adrenal insufficiency but usually an imbalance won't show on regular testing until someone is into crisis. Hope this is useful. |
Thanks Bluesfan. I think the sodium and potassium show up in full blood count as electrolytes? Anyway my FBC is usually fine - last taken about a month ago only things that flagged up were my ESR 38 (quite low/ normal for me), PVC and Total Protein were all raised - which I believe shows I have inflammation. Last time my thyroid was done about five months ago my TSH was suppressed and my FT4 was as usual at the lower end of normal range. So nothing is shouting out to persuade my GPs to run further tests.
They say I won't be allowed to try Imuran until I'm fully recovered from my lung infection. I just wondered how I will know if I'm recovered when the aches and stiffness are starting to increase but I still feel completely wiped out. I will ask on Wednesday about getting my cortisol levels checked but again, I don't think this is a test they routinely run. Thanks for your help.