Vernal,
Welll, I "found out" I had adrenal fatigue by reading through this forum as well as a number of sites realting to the subject. So I don't have some kind of objective proof in hand, though certain individuals on this forum have questioned the validity of some of the tests for AF, particularly the saliva tests. And I am new to all of this, so I was hesitant to spend the money for the test until I reached some kind of definite conclusion about what constitutes a legitimate measure of AF.

Also, I do not place all my trust in conventional doctors but had assumed they were competent with the results of a thyroid test, as this seems to be a fairly commonplace and conventionally recognized medical issue. You seem to be saying otherwise.



I must say, though, hat a LOT of factors in my case point to AF. In particular, my issues began with a period of intense life stress over thirteen years ago. I was never the same after that and I didn't know why. Each subsequent downturn has occurred after an extended work period. in 2002 I started noticing a feeling of Depression and fatigue in the wake of intense physical exercise that would last for days. This was while working an office job in IT, which i eventually had to quit as I simply did not have the energy to do the work anymore.

A few years later, after resuming an office job with an even greater stress level and a gretaer amount oof physical exertion, I began experiencing th pain in my kidney/adrenal area in response to physical exertion or mental exertion, to the point where even a modest amount of exercise would leave me feeling depleted for weeks, with memory problems,a lack of concentration, and a feeling of Depression as well as extreme sensitivity to stress.

This last particular bit, i.e. having this kind of extreme depletion after physical or mental strain, I found so often repeated by others on this forum it amazed me and right away made me think that this could be my problem. In fact until I started reading this forum I never knew of anyone who experienced that same type of phenomenon.

So long story short...I do not know and am not basing this off of a specific test. However my body type and some of the other indicators match those outlined on the drring.com site you referred to, and coincidentally he is located in D.C. so I might set up a visit, as I live nearby in Maryland.

Another thing that makes me think that adrenal insufficiency is a bi part of my problem, is simply that I feel a LOT better after only taking the supplememntation for a few days. I am not cured by any stretch but really feel like I am becoming a different, calmer, and more happy person day by day.

vernal,
If you don't mind my asking, just how bad was your AF? I see you keep referring to the fact that even isocort wasn't strong enough for you; were you able to get out of bed at all? I am wondering just how severe my case is but I suppose I should probably consult a professional and have them do an extensive diagnosis to find out. I am certainly capable of getting out of bed and staying that way for the whole day; it s just that any physically or mentally demanding activity causes me to shut down VERY quickly. In particular I have become so brittle in response to stress that it is really affecting all my relationships, as well as what I am willing to pursue in my professional life.

One last question (for anyone): Is there a definitive test you can get at the doctor to check your cortisone level, i.e. a blood test? I am planning a visit to my general practitioner; in the past she always struck me as open minded but I have no idea how much she knows about AF or understands its treatment.

You know, that would be a good idea. Especially for those who have been on a certain protocal, that has worked or not for them.