posted
Blood test and any lab can do this. Get all of your hormones checked.
Posts: 482 | From Oregon | Registered: Feb 2011
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ukcarry
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18147
posted
The trouble with the blood test for cortisol, for example, is that doctors tend to want you to have it first thing in the morning and that may be a point at which your levels are higher.
If the saliva tests are accurate, at least you do them at 4 different points during the day. The overall level in a one draw blood test may be deceptively within the normal range or near it, with you still having one or more really low points. I had two severely low measurements ina saliva test, but the first saliva tube 8.00 am was not too bad.
[ 03-25-2013, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: ukcarry ]
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
MannaMe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33330
posted
the 4 four vials of saliva test is the best one. I also think it was Diagnostech.... or something like that.
Posts: 2252 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- IMO, there is no test that will tell us what we would really like to know. We have to listen to our bodies. I would put money toward support.
Unless you are considering Cortef, I would not bother. It's just a fact that the entire adrenal system is stressed big time during lyme and that support is required.
Go by how you feel with such support, as you figure out what works best for your body. But don't expect support to all of the sudden make you feel normal again. It just can't do that as long as lyme & all are still in the picture.
Still, with certain support, you should fee better able to tolerate stimuli and have a bit better endurance as long as you still monitor closely your need to rest and move wisely.
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP & ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Saliva tests are colored/influenced/distorted by any amalgam/metals and/or plastics in mouth. That is why Dr. K. does not base treatment on these results.
(he recently mentioned at a seminar)
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
I agree with lax mom.
Saliva testing is much better, and Aeron Labs is good for this testing. My insurance even covered part of it.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
Thanks for the replies.
I just got back from my LLMD appt. She gave me a test kit from Genova. It's for 4 vials of saliva. I know no test is perfect, but I'm still going to do it.
It looks like ins may cover part of it, so that would be great.
Thanks.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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posted
BioHealth Laboratories is the lab my recent adrenal test came from. It was a one day, 4 vial, saliva test and it showed abnormalities, so I think it's a pretty good one.
Oh just saw you got one- good luck!!
Posts: 428 | From Midwest | Registered: Dec 2012
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
Any saliva test is better than treatment based on guessing.
I had asked my LLMD for Cortef recently because I was certain my cortisol was flat...wrong. My salivary cortisol levels were very, very high.
I shudder to think what would have happened if I blindly added Cortef to that adrenal mess.
posted
The cortisol levels can change in a minute....there is no good test for this but if you want to test then the saliva is the best one. My doctor told me none of them are really accurate. Any little bit of stress and it just has to be a tiny could raise the level anytime of day.
The other test to see if the adrenals can react to stress properly is the ACTH STIM test. They use an IV to put a stressor into your body and in 30 min and 60 min check the cortisol levels to see if the adrenals responded to the stress inducer. I had it done a few years back but can't remember what they use in the IV.
My saliva showed flat line throughout the day but the ACTH test showed my adrenals could pump out the cortisol when needed. So in my opinion that is the best test...
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
Thanks again for the replies.
I've had it so drilled into my head that steroids are a no-no for Lymies. Is Cortef different? Or can it suppress the immune system and would it be best to avoid?
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
My LLMD uses it when cortisol has completely flat lined.
Topic: what do (typical) STEROIDS actually do to us? And how they can be a disaster for those with lyme. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It's best to first employ adrenal support and see if that will do the trick. If additional help is required, Cortef may be the ticket.
For others' experiences, search in the subject line for either
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
Thanks again for the replies.
Sammi - very cool chart! I have a combo of both, but tend to have more of the adrenal symptoms. Very interesting. Thanks.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
You are welcome!
Good luck with the testing.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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