Posted by Elroy on June 3, 2005, at 22:13:07
In reply to Re: remeron and cortisol, posted by glenn on May 26, 2005, at 3:17:21
OK, here goes:
My situation started with a severe bout of anxiety in June of 2004. Prior to that I had been treated for anxiety (milder) from July 2002 until February of 2004. Prior to that I had extended time period of very high stress from around 1996 until 2002. I believe that the high levels of stress from 1996 through 2002 caused a steady increase in cortisol levels. That increase in the cortisol was then elevated in the time period of 2002 through 2004. There was then a "momentary break in the action" (2/04 until 6/04, though cortisol secretions probably continued at high levels). Then in June of 2004 the bottom fell out when extremely severe anxiety started up.
My main physical symptoms didn't start up until the severe anxiety hit in June of 2004. Then the symptoms of prostatitis (burning urethra primary pain - not just when urinating but always, varies in intensity), complete loss of libido, complete erectile dysfunction, extremely cold feet, somewhat cold hands, symptoms of tingling/stinging sensations in hands/lower arms and feet/lower legs, tinnitus, insomnia - and several other more "minor" symptoms (*)... and all came about within about 2 - 3 weeks of the severe anxiety. The major symptoms were very strong right from the start. The “minor” symptoms were generally present early on, but fluctuate in occurrence and intensity.
I have been through numerous rounds of advanced testing since then. I was found to have sub-normal levels of testosterone and was put on testosterone replacement therapy (August 2004). I was found to have very high levels of cortisol (Sept 2004) and was at one point diagnosed with Cushing's Disease (more advanced testing ruled that out). A tumor was found on my left adrenal gland and concern was raised that it was either Cushing's Syndrome or was a Pheo tumor. More advanced testing ruled both of those out.
My cortisol levels were extremely high - almost six times normal ranges - in Sept/Oct of 2004 and then dropped slightly through the end of the year, then dropped significantly for a couple of months (but still well above normal ranges) and then recently climbed back up again to twice normal ranges. Also my urinary creatinine levels have been elevated above normal ranges on every 24-hour urine test that I have taken since last September (probably 10 - 12).
Most recent test (one serum test) has also shown that my epinephrine levels are in low normal ranges and that my norepinephrine levels are in the well below normal ranges.
I have been involved in psychiatric therapy (both talk therapy also with EMDR and prescription medication to include my current Xanax for severely high anxiety) since last September. Just started the EMDR as few weeks ago.
Note: In February of 2004 my weight had climbed - over 2 years - from around 230 lbs to around 295 lbs. After initial round of anxiety cleared up in Feb 2004, I started back working out and dropped weight down to 245 lbs by July of 2004. Since then weight has fluctuated back and forth (250 - 270) regardless of diet or exercise. Also have lost an inch of height in the last 2 years.
(*) Other symptoms: moderate fatigue, short term memory problems (mild), occasional very strong tightness in the neck and shoulders, poor sleep, tightness in chest, white coated tongue, periodic frequent urination, periodic headaches, occasional visual blurring, milder sensitivity to bright light, moderate depression (primarily anxiety problem), irritability, panic attacks (primarily earlier), personality changes, mood swings, chills - cold intolerance, periodic night sweats, occasional shortness of breath, occasional lightheadedness, occasional balance problems, sensitivity to cold, irregular heartbeat, some constipation, generally sluggish bowels, abdominal bloating after eating, periodic abdominal tenderness, (mild) low body temperature, tingling/stinging sensations in feet/lower legs and hands/lower arms, also itching sensation across torso and face, mild "burning mouth" symptoms, mild difficulty swallowing, rashes (mainly on upper chest, but periodic flushing of upper torso and itchiness that comes and goes on several body areas), etc. (some more minor things)....
What levels of cortisol did you previously have? High, but still in normal range? Marginally above max of normal range? Elevated? Highly elevated? Just the one test done? Was it a serum test or a 24-hour urine collection test (the serum test is very inaccurate due to cycles of cortisol secretion - the 24-hr UFC is much, much more accurate).
If it was me, I would definitely look at getting re-tests done. Chronically elevated cortisol (cortisol well above the max end of the normal "reference range") is literally a killer. All of our other hormones decline as we age... except for cortisol. That is why medically it is refered to as "The Death Hormone". Highly elevated cortisol will eventually lead to diabetes, cardiovascular problems, elevated cholosterol, hypogonadism, bone less, etc., etc., etc., including mental disorders from anxiety / depression to Alzheimer's. Plus you might be in early stages of Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome if your elevated levels are caused by a tumor (usually in the pituitary or adrenal).
Elroy
PS What is the "antibiotic method"?
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> Wow a real oldie!!
>
> I like the points you make, I tried remeron for 3 months with no effect at all, and with a modest taper no withdrawal.
> I did not have my cortisol levels checked during this time, only during the dexa supression test.
> What I find very interesting is that xanax is also what works for me and that your symptomology may be very similar to mine.
> Would you care to expand a little ( privately if you wish)
> I am now 100% better, I take 80 mg propranolol , xanax 0.375 mg using the anti biotic method and 5 mg celexa, as well as a raft of self help methods.
> Maybe I should have another cortisol test!
> Still not quite figured out how cortisol fits in, maybe my gross levels affected a secondary change that only the xanax can reset.
> Certainly they were caused by stress ( chronic pain) and eventually resulted in a condition that was primarly in my view anxiety , but didnt seem to resemble gad or panic disorder particularly.
> Hope this helps , I look forward to anything further you may wish to add.
>
> Glenn
poster:Elroy
thread:124535
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050601/msgs/507489.html