Synathcen test?

[whitty]

hi,everybody, I recieved a letter from the hospital today [sat].My diabetic specialist has requested that i go for a short synacthen test.this is because recent U&Es show hyponatraemia with hyperkalaemia and a cortisol of 436.Does anybody know what this test is for or has anybody had the test,if so what does it involve.I cant get to see my gp until tuesday to discuss this with him.

 

[insulinaddict09]

hi,everybody, I recieved a letter from the hospital today [sat].My diabetic specialist has requested that i go for a short synacthen test.this is because recent U&Es show hyponatraemia with hyperkalaemia and a cortisol of 436.Does anybody know what this test is for or has anybody had the test,if so what does it involve.I cant get to see my gp until tuesday to discuss this with him.

Hi Whitty a Synacthen test is to test the amount of cortisol in the body . you would usually have the test in the morning , they usually take a blood sample first to test your baseline level of Cortisol , then give you an injection to stimulate your body to produce Cortisol , then they will redo bloods to re test your Cortisol level . they will then know how much Cortisol your body has and how well it responds to the stimulation. hope this helps

 

[whitty]

Hi,insulin addict09. Yes your answer helps.It explains what is entailed but why is a test for cortisol needed?.Is a cortisol level of 436 to high or to low.?.And how does cortisol affect diabetes.I dont know anything about this subject.Probably because for the last ten or so years i seem to see a different Dr each time i go to the diabetic clinic and dont get to build up a Dr/patient relationship.I just seem to get fobbed off with go and have your bloods done and i,ll see you in 6 months.

 

[insulinaddict09]

Hi,insulin addict09. Yes your answer helps.It explains what is entailed but why is a test for cortisol needed?.Is a cortisol level of 436 to high or to low.?.And how does cortisol affect diabetes.I dont know anything about this subject.Probably because for the last ten or so years i seem to see a different Dr each time i go to the diabetic clinic and dont get to build up a Dr/patient relationship.I just seem to get fobbed off with go and have your bloods done and i,ll see you in 6 months.

Hi Whitty , as far as I can find out they would test for Cortisol as it is needed in the right amount to be healthy, too much or too little and you can feel unwell. Cortisol helps to keep our blood sugars stable , blood pressure , for our metabloism , immune system and for the right fluid balance in our bodies. If you dont have enough Cortisol in your body you can feel weak and tired , irritable etc. before the test you will have a blood test to measure your level of cortisol and then usually another 30mins and then 60mins after you have had the test to measure your levels after the Synacthen has been given. I will try and find out the normal amount of cortisol for you if i can and then post it ok . 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Hi Whitty,

I moved this to the general messageboard so more people would see it. A good place I have found for explaining all the various tests we have is labtests online - this one explains about cortisol and the test you are being asked to do:

http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/analytes/cortisol/test.html

It also explains that there are no standard ranges for cortisol, as it is dependent on a range of factors - so there is no 'ideal' 'good' or 'bad'.

Hope this helps, and that the test goes OK!🙂

 

[whitty]

Thanks,insulin addict and northener.I will let you know how i go on.Just to say that insulin addict mentioned tiredness and fatigue.Lately i have been feeling really tired and lethargic.I put it down to my age.My Gp says somme of the tablets i take can make you feel drowsy,but it looks as though it may be something to do with cortisol.?.Im just going to read the link off northener now.Thanks again.

 

[insulinaddict09]

Thanks,insulin addict and northener.I will let you know how i go on.Just to say that insulin addict mentioned tiredness and fatigue.Lately i have been feeling really tired and lethargic.I put it down to my age.My Gp says somme of the tablets i take can make you feel drowsy,but it looks as though it may be something to do with cortisol.?.Im just going to read the link off northener now.Thanks again.

Good Luck at the doctors Tuesday , have you thought about writing a list of the things you want to ask , about the test and also the other problems you mentioned ? I have had a quick look around and it seems some of these are connected to eachother and have some similar symptoms .