short synactnen test for addison's

[Natalie123]

Hi All,

My nurse told me today that I need to have one of these. I was vaguely told that it involves a blood test, injection of a drug followed by another blood test. As you all know I am terrible with needles and am feeling sick just thinking about it and don't even have the appointment date yet! Has anyone had this test and can you tell me any more about it? How long do you have to wait between tests? is the injection painful or just like the flu jab? and is it fasting or non fasting? I find it easier to prepare if I know what to expect!

Thanks, lots of love, Natalie x

 

[Copepod]

It involves a baseline sample of blood from a vein, then an intramuscular injection of synacthen which is a bit more painful than a flu vaccination, then a second sample of blood from a vein about 60mins after the IM injection.

When you get the appointment date you'll be told the details about fasting etc. They'll be keen to know if you're taking OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pill) as that affects the result, so you'd need to stop taking it for a while.

 

[Caroline]

I hope the test goes well and you get the answers you want.

 

[AlisonM]

I had one done a couple of months ago and it wasn't too difficult in all, though it did sting a bit. I hope the results that come back are what you want to hear.

 

[Natalie123]

Appointment 18th October

Got the appointment for this today, it is Tues 18th Oct. I am absolutely terrified, I know it is silly but I am feeling panicky already, shaking, sweating and feeling sick, does anyone have any ideas how I can get through this without panicking for the next 2 weeks. I know if I don't get some advice I will chicken out and not turn up or go into panic mode when I get there and not let anyone near me. Any ideas?

 

[AlisonM]

Can you take someone with you? It would be much better than having to face it alone.

 

[Natalie123]

My Boyfriend is coming - he will have to carry me in at this rate 😱

 

[Northerner]

My Boyfriend is coming - he will have to carry me in at this rate 😱

Try not to let it prey on your mind Natalie. I know it's easy to say, but worrying will not help you at all, just make you feel rotten for no benefit. If I have something scary in the future to deal with I try to leave my worrying until the last minute 😉

 

[imtrying]

My Boyfriend is coming - he will have to carry me in at this rate 😱

PLEASE don't panic. He'll be with you to hold your hand, carry you if he has to, and let you know everything will be ok 🙂 I want to say just don't think about it, but obviously if you could do that, you wouldn't have asked!! is there a book you could try to read in 2 weeks...a distraction when you're not doing anything?

It will be worth it too...

 

[Natalie123]

Thanks Alan and Katie. I don't have a book at the moment and although I like reading I just can't concentrate for long enough at the moment, I am trying to keep busy with friends though. Am going to the doctor on Thursday to talk about my anxiety in general and will ask about ways to control panic for Tuesday while I am there and for the future.

 

[Northerner]

When I feel I couldn't concentrate on reading a book I find that choosing a strip cartoon book is a good idea, if you have a favourite, as you don't nned to give it too much thought, it's in short 'stories' and it might make you laugh 🙂