Join our Community and subscribe to our eNewsletters
Sign-up now! or Log in
Welcome to the EndocrineWeb Support Community!
In the EndocrineWeb Support Community, you'll find people who know what you're going through. Ask questions. Answer questions. Share your struggles—and successes. We're glad you're here.

SAI DIAGNOSIS, Steroid Taper Problems? PLEASE DOC HELP

From: marta911 - 26 weeks 5 days ago

Long story - short space. Initial symptoms start 6/09 - over 3 months lost 35 pounds w/o trying, diarrhea, nausea, no appetite, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. Tons normal labs, x-rays, etc., then sent to GI doc who did 1st cortisol test. First diagnosed with Addison's incorrectly, then 3 endocrinologists later, owned the diagnosis of secondary adrenal insuff., IN THEORY because I had had a hip bursa steroid injection just previous to beginning of symptoms (even tho doc who did it said very very little of this Kenalog (I think was the name) goes systemic & he doesn't believe it could cause SAI). Labs had NO cortisol, very LOW ACTH. Last 2 docs decided should get off the Cortef & see if adrenals "wake up." (Have had MRIs of pituitary, CT's & ultrasounds of abdomen & pelvis including adrenals, lab work after lab work, cortisol & ACTH & stim tests, etc.) All imaging is normal incl. pituitary & adrenals. Was weaned off Cortef @ 5 mg per week from 30 mg a day down to 0 over 5 wks. I am in middle of week 6. Now I have SEVERE joint & muscle pain for last 1-2 wks, came on suddenly..pain in knees, hips, hands, shoulders, legs, toe, thumbs, lat muscles, everywhere it seems. Worst pain in hips & knees on initiating walking, then can walk better. Feel pretty good if I do nothing but sit, or lay on my back. No longer can lay on side in bed or pain begins to radiate through hip, pelvis, and down leg excruciatingly. Can barely squat enough to get to toilet cuz of knee pain. Can barely go UP stairs. I am a little over my ideal weight but not much. I am 50 y/o and scared to death. All 3 docs, then 1st doc again, had different theories & diagnoses & plans. Internist is oblivious. Feel like I'm starting to have initial problems again; nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite, sleeping too much, etc. WHAT THE HECK SHOULD I DO?? Was told to have labs redrawn in 3 months after steroid taper to check cortisol & ACTH again. I swear I think I'll be dead by then. Feeling like crap. IS MY PAIN RELATED TO STEROID TAPER TOO FAST OR TO AN ADRENAL ISSUE, WHATEVER, OR BOTH??? Any advice from any doctor would be so appreciated. I don't know what to do. Endocrinologist I last went to who initiated the taper (who was also the 1st doc) is "no longer with the clinic" for an unknown reason & I don't know where he is. Do not want to go back to either 2nd or 3rd docs for other reasons. Just need an idea what may be happening with all my pain...if I wait it out will it go away?? NSAIDs are not helping.

Best Responses
There are no responses to this discussion, yet. Be the first!
Do you find this discussion helpful?
0
EndocrineWeb does not provide medical advice. Information is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. Content is not intended to substitute for consulting a medical professional. Always consult a trained medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard medical advice as a result of something you may have read on EndocrineWeb. Read the full Disclaimer and User Agreement.