[Nicknerd]

Hey guys,

I'm so sorry that my threads recently have been so depressing...I don't even like to think about what's going on anymore because I feel like I'm doomed, but I still have hope too...But there are just too many problems lately, boy...

Last week, I went for a plasma exchange and had difficulty eating, so all I had was an ensure...Anywho, I had my exchange and started to black out...My BP went to 70/40 and I lost peripheral vision....They suspected that maybe my blood glucose was low, which it was...They thought that this was maybe due to not eating well before the exchange plus the exchange itself...However, today, I had IViG...I mentioned that I had some problems with my glucose last week, so they checked it...It was way above normal...12, supposed to be between 4-6...So I guess I'm diabetic now too? This would explain all of the problems I've been having with dizziness, sweating, running to the toilet, drinking water like it's no one's business, palpitations...It's obvious to me that the prednisone has made it worse, but I had symptoms like this before I started prednisone, only not as often or severe...

As bad as it sounds, I'm a bit relieved to have an explanation as to why I've been having these mysterious other symptoms...but good lord, how many diseases can one person have?! Should I ask God for warranty on this old body that is 26? I admit it, I attempted to, but the phone was off the hook...I'm seeing a naturopath this Friday, but I think that even he will throw his hands in the air...

I left a message for my neuro...I hope that she is willing to taper me off of the prednisone...This is just too many diseases, you know?

Does anyone else have Diabetes too? Prolly not...I feel like a freak of nature!

Nicky

[sugrkiss]

I'm sorry to hear about the newest issues you are having. I don't have it (yet...ha) but I did have Pregnancy induced Diabetes with all three of my babies, and from my experience, once you get your sugars under control, the diabetes symptoms will go away. How much Prednisone are you on? I just got diagnosed it and I'm a little scared of the side effects.

Jessica

[Nicknerd]

I'm on quite a high dose- 80 mgs...I was originally started at 60 mgs, but my neuro. increased it 80 because it wasn't working well....There are a lot of side-effects, I'm not going to lie...But they tend to be worse with a higher dose, so don't worry about it too much...You can fine-tune things as the dosage is increased...

I read in your prednisone post that you are being started at 5mgs a day...I think that it's good that you are starting low...It'll be more manageable and you'll be able to catch the side effects as they're coming a long, as opposed to being bombarded with them from the get-go...The only trouble is that it might take longer to see results...but everyone is very different...For me, it still took 2-months to see results even with a high dose, so you could see results right away...you never know...I definately hope that you do...Since you have a history of Diabetes, be careful with that one...But you're giving me hope that the symptoms can be managed with the right diet/meds...I will miss the delectable foods, though!

Nicky

[suev]

Nicky - - First I am really sorry you are having such troubles.

Second I had this neat note ready to go - - and I had timed out. So here is a quick version:

As I remember (and I'm not a doc):

Cortisol is produced/released by the adrenal gland - usually in response to ACTH (a pituitary hormone). Cortisol talks to the pituitary gland which is where insulin is made. Insulin controls blood sugar.

Cortisol is known to cause blood sugars to increase and cardiac muscle to contract harder. Maybe one of your meds (pred?) is messing up the adrenal cortex a bit.

Anyway, this coupled with your thymus / thyroid, makes me think you might want to consider an Endocrinologist consult (with your neuro's input).

All of your symptoms (while a nightmare for you) are actually clues yor body is giving to you. Your mission is to continue to search for the right doc to put it all together.

You are young, smart, determined....so I just know you won't stop til you find the right comcination of docs. Good luck in your search.

Sue

[AnnieB3]

Oh, the joys of Pred. I'm sorry you have Pred-induced diabetes. Or have they determined it to be Type I diabetes?

I have a friend with Pred-induced diabetes, and complications. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I hope they can bring down the Pred, keep your MG happy and get rid of the diabetes. Geez, you don't need more than the MG going on.

I have a hate-hate relationship with Pred. I know it helps with the autoimmune process but I for one will never take it again.

Sue, You are basically right! What Pred does is do the work of the adrenals. The adrenals take a "holiday" when someone is taking Pred. And, yes, Pred does affect glucose.

You need to be so very careful if you do withdraw from Pred. If you do, look for any signs like a drop in blood pressure, sweats, feeling "out of it" or being extremely tired. All are signs of an adrenal crisis.

I'm sorry you are having to go through this. You are way too young for all of this to be happening.

Annie

[bluesky]

Hi Nicky,

I just developed diabetes too. Since I had gestational diabetes I've kept an eye on things over the years. I went from no problems in March '08 to slightly elevated in January '09 to full blown, out of control and giving myself 5 shots a day starting in June. I'm undiagnosed and untreated for myasthenia gravis so it's not prednisone in my case but my personal theory is that the mg caused severe sleep apnea which set it off. Just a theory though.

Maybe yours will go away if you go off prednisone? I think that's possible. I think I read that somewhere.

There are three good things I can tell you though, even if you do have diabetes for sure. The first is that you can probably control diabetes pretty easily with oral meds (it's unusual to have to go right to the insulin like I did, but, worst case scenario - it's not that bad, really). Second, you don't have to give up yummy foods at all. You just need to eat smaller portions or spread the food out over time. Third, if you've been having high blood sugars, once you get it under control you'll feel better.

I'm crossing my fingers for you that this is just a medication issue. If you have any questions at all feel free to pm me any time!

Ally