Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Adrenal Gland Burn Out

rachellek

Recommended Posts

rachellek Rookie
rachellek
Posted

Well, two weeks ago I began my "gluten challenge" and only lasted about four days before becoming so ill that I phoned my gastroenterologist to tell him my symptoms. I thought it was a little funny that he said he would "allow" me to discontinue the gluten. Like I need his permission :lol: Anyway, a week and a half later I continue to experience hypoglycemia after eating anything. And for the last three days I'm sure that I'm back into adrenal gland burnout...one of the first things I experiened 8 months ago which caused me to evaluate my diet and determine that wheat was a problem.

Well, my question is -is this unique to my body or do many of you experience adrenal gland symptoms when you get glutened. . . ie... surges of adrenaline when you wake up in the morning or get a little scared say while driving etc.(I literally wake up like a siren is going off in my head...I almost hit the ceiling and then I feel so shaky I could fall over) A feeling of absolute exhaustion in the morning and early afternoon, dizziness, lightheadedness, forgetfullness... Not a lot of fun let me tell ya on top of all my abdominal syptoms which are still hanging around. This from only a few cookies, a chicken nugget and some breaded fries.

I'll make it through, right? I will be healthy again, right?

Rachelle :(

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


elye Community Regular
elye
Posted

Hey, Rachelle,

Have you actually had adrenal gland malfunction diagnosed? Because those symptoms you've attributed to adrenaline overload are exactly those that I am experiencing when I have an insulin reaction--low blood sugar (I'm a long-term type one diabetic). You mentioned that you have had hypoglycemic issues, so that in fact may be what it all is, and not related to adrenaline. I know that the early morning, when you say you have these symptoms, is a very common time for hypoglycemics to experience low blood sugar, and a sudden scare can also cause BS to plummet. Just a thought.... :)

rachellek Rookie
rachellek
Posted
  • Author
Hey, Rachelle,

Have you actually had adrenal gland malfunction diagnosed? Because those symptoms you've attributed to adrenaline overload are exactly those that I am experiencing when I have an insulin reaction--low blood sugar (I'm a long-term type one diabetic). You mentioned that you have had hypoglycemic issues, so that in fact may be what it all is, and not related to adrenaline. I know that the early morning, when you say you have these symptoms, is a very common time for hypoglycemics to experience low blood sugar, and a sudden scare can also cause BS to plummet. Just a thought.... :)

Well, as far as diagnosis goes, I feel like I've been doing alot of that on my own with the help of a naturopath. so, yes 8 months ago according to him I was in complete adrenal burnout, now in the last few months I've been experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms so, I went to my gp and explained to him. He recommended my getting a glucometer and test. I've been testing anytime I feel the classic symptoms and it's usually a few hours after eating. I feel like my heart's racing and very dizzy, then I crash and need to have a nap. Once I even felt like my eyes were all hot and blurry, I thought I might pass out, even had tunnel vision. Well, I tested and my glucose was 4.5 mmol/L. He said that this number wasn't low enough even though I had eaten a full meal and a chocolate bar. I feel like I'm on my own and am sure that I do need an endocrinologist but he said he wouldn't send me unless the numbers showed it. I asked him if he felt my adrenal gland symptoms may constitute sending me and he said he had no proof of that either. I'm getting very frustrated. So, because my glucose isn't that low, I'm feeling that my adrenal gland may be the problem most of the time, but in some instances, I know that I am becoming hypoglycemic as well. Does that sound right to you? I am trying to be better about my sugar intake, but thought that I should be a little reckless in order to have proof to show him. GACK, this is driving me crazy! Why can't my body just be normal? :angry::angry::angry:

loraleena Contributor
loraleena
Posted

I am about to get my adrenals checked. I am going to have a morning and evening cortisal test done. Adrenal dysfunction can cause blood sugar issues, which I have among many other things. I'll keep you posted.

rachellek Rookie
rachellek
Posted
  • Author
I am about to get my adrenals checked. I am going to have a morning and evening cortisal test done. Adrenal dysfunction can cause blood sugar issues, which I have among many other things. I'll keep you posted.

Now, I must be doing something wrong, my doctor just isn't listening to me. How did you get your doctor to order these tests? Was it his idea, did you tell him" I think something's wrong with my adrenal gland"? Help me here, I don't know how to approach doctors anymore.

Sounds like you're on the right track and I wouldn't be surprised that your results would be abnormal, when I first became aware that I had a problem (not even suspecting celiac) my adrenal gland was the main problem, my abdominal symptoms were undercontrol then.

Good luck,

Rachelle

elye Community Regular
elye
Posted
I am about to get my adrenals checked. I am going to have a morning and evening cortisal test done. Adrenal dysfunction can cause blood sugar issues, which I have among many other things. I'll keep you posted.

This is really interesting...we're kind of into a chicken and egg thing, here, because I have always understood that blood sugar issues cause adrenal problems. Hmmmm...I wonder if it really matters which causes which, except that if you address the hypoglycemia and get it under control, your adrenal gland will begin to function properly. That has always been my line of thinking...

Rachelle, there can be a margin of error with blood testing machines. I've had many, many years of experience with many brands. I know intimately how I feel when I'm having an insulin reaction, and many times in the past I have tested and I've been, say. 4.5 to 5. This technically is not considered low enough to start the shaking, sweats and racing heartbeat, but that was what was happening with me! So when this happens I don't kid around--I listen to my body and eat. Something to think about when you test. Some machines are better, more reliable and user-friendly than others. The Ascensia Breeze is my latest model, and it seems very accurate.

debbiewil Rookie
debbiewil
Posted
Now, I must be doing something wrong, my doctor just isn't listening to me. How did you get your doctor to order these tests? Was it his idea, did you tell him" I think something's wrong with my adrenal gland"? Help me here, I don't know how to approach doctors anymore.

Good luck,

Rachelle

Rachelle, it is possible to order the tests yourself. Of course, then the insurance won't pay for it. But maybe if you had the tests, you could get the referral to the endo. I got my test myself from Open Original Shared Link

It was a package that did the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA, thyroid TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone for $141.00 Oh, and it's a saliva test, so you don't have to worry about finding a lab to get blood drawn.

I think there are other places as well, where you can just get specific tests. You can order it yourself unless you live in New York State, which doesn't allow self ordered tests.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Mabc Apprentice
Mabc
Posted

Hi Rachelle,

I became very ill with symptoms like you describe and had the same trouble with doctors. They are good at what they know, but nutrition issues and body chemistry, they just dont' seem to be able to help. I can't get any doctor to help either. I have hypoglycemia and I have learned that if your blood sugar drops too rapidly, even if it reads normal, you can have the same symptoms. The symptoms don't care about the number but are telling you it's too fast of a drop. It's just as bad to drop too rapidly.

If I get a scare my blood sugar crashes from the adrenal rush too. Also if I drink water without food, for some reason. For me I have to constantly be snacking, at least every 1 1/2 hours. Any longer and my blood sugar drops. I've been trying to snack on something with carbs and protein every time. If I get too much of either one it messes me up. Cottage cheese and fruit works good. Nuts and a few raisins (not too many cause raisins are so high in sugar). Sometimes I just drink pop, though I know it isn't recommended and probably causes me more problems later, but it gets me through the moment. I just can't get my blood sugar high enough to feel okay most of the time - so soda pop does that for me and I feel like a person for awhile anyway. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I have been sooo frightened at times by the lack of control I have over my own body. I began 8 years ago so sick I thought I was dying and couldn't get any real help from doctors. I believe time and patience and listening to your body very carefully, getting regular snacks, and not overexerting yourself (pace) will help you get some kind of balance again.

The emotional response I have to doctors not helping me also contributes to my health I think, so I had to stop trying to get them to understand for now. Maybe taking a break from that emotional trauma could help you if you feel it is something they can't/won't treat.

Melodi

loraleena Contributor
loraleena
Posted

I go to an alternative medical facility that has MD's as well as other types of natural doctors. They combine natural and typical medicines. Also my regular MD will do any test I request, because he is very open minded and knows how much research I do. If your doc won't test than find someone else. Or, research about adrenal dysfunction and bring him the info. I have had saliva tests done, but they were inconclusive, so now I am having blood work. It is also possible to have tests and still have a problem, just like thyroid issues. Good luck.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,198
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Jamie0230
    Newest Member
    Jamie0230
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Does Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov site have filters for gluten?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Clearly from what you've said the info on Dailymed is much more up to date than the other site, which hasn't been updated since 2017. The fact that some companies might be repackaging drugs does not mean the info on the ingredients is not correct.
    • RMJ
      Waiting Gastroenterology review

      By RMJ · Posted

      To evaluate the TTG antibody result we’d need to know the normal range for that lab.  Labs don’t all use the same units.  However, based on any normal ranges that I’ve seen and the listed result being greater than a number rather than a specific number, I’d say yes, that is high! Higher than the range where the test can give a quantitative result. You got good advice not to change your diet yet.  If you went gluten free your intestines would start to heal, confusing any further testing,
    • Bev in Milw
      Does Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov site have filters for gluten?

      By Bev in Milw · Posted

      Scott is correct….Thank you for catching that!      Direct link for info  of fillers.    http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com/Excipients.htm Link is on 2nd page  of www.glutenfreedrugs.com   Site was started by a pharmacist (or 2) maybe 15-20 yrs ago with LAST updated in  2017.  This makes it’s Drug List so old that it’s no longer relevant. Companies & contacts, along with suppliers &  sources would need to be referenced, same amount effort  as starting with current data on DailyMed      That being said, Excipient List is still be relevant since major changes to product labeling occurred prior ’17.           List is the dictionary that sources the ‘foreign-to-us’ terms used on pharmaceutical labels, terms we need to rule out gluten.    Note on DailyMed INFO— When you look for a specific drug on DailyMed, notice that nearly all of companies (brands/labels) are flagged as a ‘Repackager’… This would seem to suggest the actual ‘pills’ are being mass produced by a limited number of wholesaler suppliers (esp for older meds out of  patent protection.).      If so, multiple repackager-get  bulk shipments  from same supplier will all  be selling identical meds —same formula/fillers. Others repackager-could be switching suppliers  frequently based on cost, or runs both gluten-free & non- items on same lines.  No way to know  without contacting company.     While some I know have  searched pharmacies chasing a specific brand, long-term  solution is to find (or teach) pharmacy staff who’s willing help.    When I got 1st Rx ~8 years ago, I went to Walgreens & said I needed gluten-free.  Walked  out when pharmacist said  ‘How am I supposed  to know…’  (ar least he as honest… ). Walmart pharmacists down the block were ‘No problem!’—Once, they wouldn’t release my Rx, still waiting on gluten-free status from a new supplier. Re: Timeliness of DailyMed info?   A serendipitous conversation with cousin in Mi was unexpectedly reassuring.  She works in office of Perrigo, major products of OTC meds (was 1st to add gluten-free labels).  I TOTALLY lucked out when I asked about her job: “TODAY I trained a new full-time employee to make entries to Daily Med.’  Task had grown to hours a day, time she needed for tasks that couldn’t be delegated….We can only hope majorities of companies are as  conscientious!   For the Newbies…. SOLE  purpose of  fillers (possible gluten) in meds is to  hold the active ingredients together in a doseable form.  Drugs  given by injection or as IV are always gluten-free!  (Sometimes drs can do antibiotics w/ one-time injection rather than 7-10 days of  pills .) Liquid meds (typically for kids)—still read labels, but  could be an a simpler option for some products…
    • Ginger38
      Food Allergies

      By Ginger38 · Posted

      So I recently had allergy testing for IGE antibodies in response to foods. My test results came back positive to corn, white potatoes, egg whites. Tomatoes, almonds and peanuts to name a few.  I have had obvious reactions to a few of these - particularly tomatoes and corn- both GI issues. I don’t really understand all this allergy versus celiac stuff. If the food allergies are mild do I have to avoid these foods entirely? I don’t know what I will eat if I can’t  have corn based gluten free products 
    • JForman
      7yo struggling!

      By JForman · Posted

      We have four children (7-14 yo), and our 7 year old was diagnosed with NCGS (though all Celiac labs were positive, her scope at 4 years old was negative so docs in the US won't call it celiac). We have started her on a Gluten Free diet after 3 years of major digestive issues and ruling out just about everything under the sun. Our home and kitchen and myself are all gluten-free. But I have not asked my husband/her dad or her other siblings to go completely gluten-free with us. They are at home, but not out of the home. This has led to situations when we are eating out where she has to consistently see others eating things she can't have and she has begun to say "Well, I can't have <fill in the blank>...stupid gluten."  How have you supported your gluten-free kiddos in the mental health space of this journey, especially young ones like her. I know it's hard for me as an adult sometimes to miss out, so I can't imagine being 7 and dealing with it! Any tips or ideas to help with this? 
×
×
  • Create New...