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AnaB
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| Posted: Feb 03 2006 at 8:38am | IP Logged
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Hi Ladies,
Yesterday I went to an M.D. who also practices natural medicine. After lots of questions and a few tests (some of which were a little strange) she said that I have very exhausted and almost depleted adrenals. Now, based on all I've read and based on my symptoms, I had already narrowed down what I thought my problem was to low thyroid or low adrenals.
She recommended some dietary changes, (cut out processed foods, eat several small meals all with protein, never eat sugar on an empty stomach), she also said I MUST catch up on sleep, I must not get stressed out, and then she gave me some supplements to take and a small magnet to wear (?).
It sounds so daunting to keep up with all that I need to do to replenish my body! When I weaned Amelia last April/May I had two bouts of mastitis (for the first time ever), and thrush in one month and was sick continually. I was depleted then and when I weaned my metabolism went into shock. I know my hormones are messed up, though my cycle is still pretty regular. My immune system is not doing well either. So it's been nearly a year and I'm not better.
My questions is have any of you ever had this diagnosis? What did you do about it? I'm a little nervous with herbal supplements especially when there's always the possibility of being pregnant. But I feel like I need to get healthy again before I have more children. Right now, I'm sick again. I seem to catch anything the children have. Any thoughts?
I do know the Lord is Sovereign and He will equip me for His calling, if that be having another baby right now--then I trust Him for that. For now, though, what else can I do that would help me get back to health? Thanks for your suggestion.
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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Feb 03 2006 at 10:59am | IP Logged
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I suggest a second opinion. Especially since some of the tests and recommendations (magnet) are a bit unorthodox, to say the least. And you are right to be wary of herbal supplements. They are almost completely unregulated and can be as powerful as drugs. This is not to say they cannot be quite useful when used properly.
A second opinion can't hurt.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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humanaevitae
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Did the Dr. also run blood labs to check your thyroid function? Mine was low and it has really helped me to be taking the suppliments.
Nicole
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AnaB
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| Posted: Feb 03 2006 at 12:31pm | IP Logged
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My primary care ran blood work back last year and at the time, my thyroid level was within normal range. From what I've read, by the time hormone levels show up in the blood work it's already been low for a long time. So, blood work may not always show what's low right now.
My primary care doctor excuses every complaint or concern I have with, "Well you are home with 4 children, what do you expect?" This is why I thought going to an M.D. who also practices natural therapy would be more helpful. I wish I would have had a saliva test at least. I may ask about that.
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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!
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Jenny
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| Posted: Feb 03 2006 at 1:22pm | IP Logged
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After I had my 2nd baby (I was still nursing my 1st & tandum nursed for 4 months) I was having really vague pains all over & was constantly tired. My M.D. did blood work & said everything was fine. I was just tired. I went to a health food store where a lady practiced iridology. She looked in your eyes & could tell you where your deficiencies were. I know, I know...but she was a very Christian woman who had been in the area for 40yrs. She did not charge but she did own the health food store where you purchased the supplements. She said my thyroid was "sluggish" from the 2 recent pregnancies & nursing. She recommended raw thyroid, a mega mineral supplement & raw adrenal. I told her "No thank you. My thyroid is fine b/c I just had the bloodwork checked."
After 2 more months I was still feeling the same way. I went back to her & she did not remember me, but gave me the same diagnosis. I started taking what she recommended & w/in 2 weeks my symptoms were gone. For the next 3 yrs, anytime I would go off the supplements, my symptoms would return. I got pregnant & delivered a healthy baby in the meantime. I did tell my OB who was skeptical but said it was not going to hurt me or the baby. With my 4th pregnancy I had to stop the raw thyroid (I had stopped the adrenal sometime earlier) b/c I had too much thyroid as revealed by symptoms & bloodwork. I have not had to take any since.
Maybe a second naturopathic opinion as well as an MD?
Sorry that got so long
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Jenny
Chris' wife and momma of 7. My blog: The Littlest Way--Bible Journaling, Inspiring Bible Quotes, Daily Affirmations, Prayer Journaling & photography
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AnaB
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Wow! That's interesting! This doctor also looked into my eyes. From that she confirmed the depleted adrenals. What she explained was that when a light is shone into your eyes, your pupils constrict and stay constricted for about 30 secs. Mine constricted and then opened up pretty quickly. I know from a medical background, the blood vessels in the eyes can tell you alot about blood pressure and overall health, so this didn't sound too way off.
I started the adrenal supplement yesterday and I'm taking nettles which should be safe should I get pregnant. I opted to not take the chaste berry--some conflicting info on the internet.
Which adrenal supplement did you take? Thanks for your reply.
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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!
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esperanza
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Hi Ana,
I like using Astragalus when my immunity is compromised. Safe when pregnant and this has been a great immune tonic for me.
The last few months I have been using Fat Flush Whey powder I add Woman's Oil and Flax seed and pumpkin seed This helps the needed protein, intestinal health, and hormones.
When I feel mastitis coming on I drink lots of cran water. Unsweetened cranberry juice (pure) added to lots of water. My lymph glands are usually involved, too.
I am looking for a good source of B vitamins, myself. I'm 15 wks pregnant now and am needing some large safe amounts. Astragalus
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Tammy Gonzalez in VA
dh-Johnny
mom to Tara-'85, Noelle-'88, Jeremy-'91, Elizabeth-'93, Emma-'96, Dominic-'99, Gabriel-'01, Elijah-03
and Jacinta-06
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aussieannie
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Ana, I'm dragging an old posting from almost a year to the date forward, I was very interested to read this and was wondering how you are doing now and what treatments you have used in the last year.
I have depleted adrenals too and take natural supplements.
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mary
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| Posted: Jan 31 2007 at 6:43am | IP Logged
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i ihave had the same diagnosis a year after my 3rd baby was born. the year before i had thyroid cysts biopsied, my sister, mil and sil had died within a year of each other. i really was worn out. i gave up flour and sugar (all kinds) for 3 months. i lost 20lbs and felt great. i wish i had kept it up, but it was hard! i no longer take the natural supplements, but we do eat very little processed foods. i'd like to get back to no sugar and flour but the idea of it is daunting.
regarding the diagnosis, my md had done thryoid work up and my blood levels were normal although my temps were low and i had other low thyroid symptoms. so, i looked for an alternative method to treat my sluggish feelings.
hope you find something that works for you!
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AnaB
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| Posted: Jan 31 2007 at 8:29am | IP Logged
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Well, this may not be very encouraging, but I tried the supplements and nothing seemed to be truly helping. I was already eating very little processed foods. Then I got pregnant, which made me feel better actually. Then I lost the pregnancy in June and spent about a month recuperating.
All the old symptoms returned. Then we had all the windows replaced in our home and the caulking they used smelled very strong. I couldn't get the fumes or dust created from their drilling out of my house for almost two months. This somehow caused my son and I to have an Epstein Barr relapse (mono) and the fatigue was completely debilitating. But because we both went through it at the same time, I felt it was not so much the adrenals but the Epstein Barr.
I took alot of natural antivirals (elderberry, ecchinacea, GSE, astragulus, garlic), did a candida cleanse but continued with the symptoms. In September we went to Asheville, NC and my symptoms were gone! I don't know what it was about that area (I live in Miami, FL) but all of a sudden I felt normal! Once back home, the symptoms came and went. I started taking Promise Prenatal vitamins just because they claim to be formulated to be more gentle on the stomach with their vit/iron ratio. All other multivitamins made me sick and nauseous. I'm not pregnant, but these have been very helpful and the first vitamins that are tolerable for me.
My dh started having increasingly more heart problems and we have been in and out of the hospital very frequently. During this time, I have had all the energy I've needed to do things I've needed to do. I can only attribute this to God's grace. I haven't done anything different. In fact till a week ago, we were still without kitchen and living on microwave dinners and rotisserie chickens (I never do that!) and we were all healthy and feeling good. And now that my dh's had so many problems, I feel that God has given me some grace and strength and energy to do all that needs to be done.
He just had heart surgery on Friday and we are home now but still very watchful for fatal complications from the surgery. I feel like I'm living with my breath held waiting to see what happens next. I'm starting to feel the weight of all that's happened lately and I'm exhausted!!! I can't seem to get enough sleep or feel that I'm really awake. So, I'm taking my vitamins and praying and looking to God to strengthen me.
I didn't mean to diverge from your question. I hope something in here was helpful. I would look into checking your Epstein Barr levels (they can't tell from just one test that you are having a relapse and everyone has it in their system by adulthood). I didn't have all the bloodwork because the symptoms were so obvious. Since this, I have had 2 or more friends also suffering from the same thing. I don't know what's going on, but it may shed some light on your situation. Thanks for asking about me!
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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!
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aussieannie
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Dear Ana, so sorry to hear the worries you and your husband have had with his health, it is quite understandable that it would put your sensitive adrenals under pressure!
It is has been my experience that stress knocks my adrenals around - I must be careful to avoid it where possible. My doctor has put me on a supplement called, "Adrenoplex" that contains, Siberian Ginseng, Indian Ginseng (Withania), Korean Ginseng, American Ginseng and Reiishi Mushroom. I do notice a difference being on this.
Thyroid's cannot function well if the adrenals are exhausted, they seem very dependant on each other. I read once that with people who have naturally weak andrenals (some mention of people born with very small earlobes) that they can receive relief being put on very, very low dose of Cortisol daily. For those who have had something happen that has severely compromised their adrenal health, low doses of Cortisol for a short period of time (maybe a year) can also take the pressure off the adrenals and allow them to recover. The Ginseng's seem to nourish the adrenals, also allowing them to build in strength.
I have had the Epstein Barr virus (Glandular fever) when all my health problems started when I was a teenager, I suppose it could very well, 'flare up' again and have never thought to check the levels. I will ask my doctor about a test, next time I feel very tired and run down.
Adrenals seem to be scourged by modern living, both the physical and emotional stressors - and personally I believe that it's physical causes are more serious and damaging and in turn allows emotional ones take greater effect on these vital organs.
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esperanza
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AnaB,
Praying for your dh's recovery...for you and your son, also. I hope your not sensitive to something in your home.
God Bless you and yours.
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In His Peace,
Tammy Gonzalez in VA
dh-Johnny
mom to Tara-'85, Noelle-'88, Jeremy-'91, Elizabeth-'93, Emma-'96, Dominic-'99, Gabriel-'01, Elijah-03
and Jacinta-06
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AnaB
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| Posted: Feb 05 2007 at 9:39pm | IP Logged
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I have new information! I have a friend who has also had Epstein Barr relapses and was just also diagnosed with Cardiogenic Syncope/Neurally Mediated Hypotension. She was also previously diagnosed with tired adrenals. Between the both of us, we came up with very useful information.
Adrenal Complex helps with mood. If you take an adrenal supplement, look for a "lightening" of mood. There won't necessarily be an increase in energy level.
If you are really physically tired, you get winded easily, you feel faint or lightheaded often, you feel like you have a "foggy brain", if you heart feels like it's pounding hard at times, changes in position (sitting to standing) take the wind out of you, etc... I would look into the cardiogenic syncope/neurally mediated hypotension (it's known by both names). There is a medicine for that is very helpful. The medicine that has the least side effects and that works for just this is called Proamatine. The other choice would be a beta-blocker and this can cause it's own heart problems as side effects. The one big thing about Proamatine is that while you are on it (for about a year before you start weaning off and then every few years you may have to go back on) is that it is very teratogenic (it causes birth defects). I was on it for a year about 4 years ago, weaned off when I was feeling better, and later had a wonderfully healthy little girl who is now 3 years old! It is a matter of prayer and conscience, but this medicine enables you to function! I was not able to function and it was becoming very dangerous for me to be left alone with children because I was feeling faint all during the day and couldn't even drive.
If you want to make sure you have this, there is a tilt test. I've had that done. It's not fun but it will confirm a diagnosis. What they need to see is that from a laying down position to a standing position or doing something that lowers your blood pressure, there must be a 30 point decrease in the two blood pressure readings. I got down to 50/30 or lower during the test. During the day, I have been known to go down to as low as 60/40.
Also, the mono (Epstein Barr). There's no real good test for this because by you 20s, you have it in your system and will test positive for this. Other symptoms are swollen glands, paleness, muscle weakness, circles under the eyes, sore throat, some have swollen spleen and splotches in the throat. I was recommended lots of antiviral/immune building products (elderberry, GSE, astragulus, garlic, etc..).
What I've recently learned is that if you have any of the above issues, you cannot have caffeine (so that's why I've been getting headaches and shutting down an hour after drinking coffee!). Alcohol is also a problem and will lower your blood pressure. You must keep hydrated and avoid standing still or doing things with your arms elevated (like putting away the pots and pans). Sleeping with the head of the bed slightly elevated is supposed to help too.
I will probably be having to get back on the Proamatine. My symptoms are a little different than when I was first diagnosed, but they are becoming a real problem again. Of course, my dh and I will be praying about this, but with all that he's been through with his heart, it might be a good year to take off being open to more children (though we'll happily receive whatever the Lord sends us despite our "efforts of prevention"--I would never take the pill).
My dh had his surgery and started having chest pain a few days later. He just had some further tests done and they came back great! They are keeping him on round the clock Advil for heart inflammation. One concern is that though he's on the highest dose for the blood thinners, they can't get the level of the medicine high enough in his blood stream. He is at VERY high risk for clots (heart attack/stroke) after his surgery. If you think about it, we would really appreciate prayers for our family. When both parents are struggling health-wise it makes things very hard at home.
Sorry for all the info. I'm hoping it will be helpful to someone.
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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!
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JennGM
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Ana,
Thank you for sharing all this. I'm so glad your dh is doing okay, but I can understand it's very hard for you both. I've been praying for both of you.
The timing of this post is very helpful to me, as some symptoms I'm experiencing are pointing to something "undiagnosable" like chronic fatigue. Thanks for some of your experience.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Diagnosis: Tired Adrenals?
