LizaJane:

Has anyone checked to see if you developed autoantibodies to your adrenals? A previously implanted friend here, also with a very unusual health history, recently developed these... I think she had to ask before they would test for them...

Lab panels, that were run on us early on, revealed some rather unusual antibodies in tests that are not the norm to run, using specialized testing techniques... Immunosciences in California, FYI...

Cathie

Knowing you and your history of "hazy" autoimmune issues, I too was wondering about gland-specific antibodies, and not only those associated with Sjogren's; one can get "weird" antibodies to the adrenals, the thyroid, possibly even the pituitary (there aren't a lot of articles on this last possibility, but it does occur), that most non-specialists won't catch.

(Sounds like you might need a good endocrinology consult at a tertiary center who'd be familiar with these interactions.)

Agree about Immunosciences; other lab I thought of was Specialty Labs in Van Nuys (they are the ones who understood why I wanted, with my nose congestion and Epstein Barr Virus profiles, to get an IgA EBV antibody profile to check for markers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and they were able to do it--fortunately negative).

Lab tests explained!

http://www.specialtylabs.com/default.htm

http://www.immuno-sci-lab.com/index2.html

Information about specialty blood tests in clear presentation - j

Thanks! Folks! - j

No time right now to run through these sites, but I have had testing done by Immunosciences some years back. Dr. Vojdani was very good about talking to people on the phone at that time, although I don't know if he still does that.]

At the time of my testing in the early 90's, he used the Elisa technique in looking for autoantibodies. Whether he uses this now or not, I don't know.

The other thing I recall is, if you are going to have testing done, it is less expensive if you have a panel run, rather than a battery of single tests (that is if you need several tests). If you are interested, I would suggest calling.

Cathie

P.S. He used to have a special Silicone panel that included a number of tests and autoantibodies. I don't know if the adrenals were on that panel or not...

I'm glad you found some docs to help you. I would be interested to hear how the acupucture goes. I was thinking of it but now not sure. My step sister though not for this issue swears by it though. Take care

Thanks for all your encouragement, guys.

In terms of antibodies to the adrenal--You know, I had these years and years ago, but not lately. My sinus guy, who says he sees lots of this from steroid use, is confident that it will just gradually improve. I'll give it a bit of timee before gettign mroe exotic tests. (I think I have adult-onset dyslexia!).

The antibodies that were done have to do with coagulation. My neuro ordered soemthing called lupus anticoagulants. The screening test came back positive, but the specific test is negative. I don't quite undestand this one, EVEN after reading on the lab's site, but, it seems if it's negative, then they look for anticardiolipin antibody an antiphospholipid antibody. I think these are all related to "real" illnesses that show themselves younger than I am though, so they'll probably be okay.

My friend said my body could be considered like a passport, getting a new stamp with each new specialty I visit. He says just think of the hematologist as another stamp!

The oddest part of this is that as soon as I saw my cortisol levels, I felt I could relax, go to bed early, and lie around the house as lazy as I want to be.
It validated being tired, and made it feel okay to rest.

My son just got a cold today, and I am terrified. I very narcissitically am totally concerned with the impact of HIS cold on ME. I do not want to get it. If I do, it will be another sinus infection, and those have been so hard to treat in me without a short course of steroids and antibiotics. I just don't want to catch it. Ya think he'll wash his hands? Ya think? Not.

"My son just got a cold today, and I am terrified. I very narcissitically am totally concerned with the impact of HIS cold on ME. I do not want to get it. If I do, it will be another sinus infection, and those have been so hard to treat in me without a short course of steroids and antibiotics. I just don't want to catch it. Ya think he'll wash his hands? Ya think? Not."

Now you know how I feel after years of steroids.... Neighbor calls. Child at school is sick as a dog and running a fever.... Mother cannot get away from the office... Will I pick him up??? Not in a thousand years... I get black grades in my "helpful neighbor" gradebook....

Cathie