Steroid Dependent

Hi Friends,

Just a short blog to let you know that Dr. Rushakoff, the endrocrinologist who performed the cortisyn test on me on Monday, just called. He said that my cortisol (adrenal function level) was a 3. I asked what normal was, and he said anything over 18. So that pretty much sums up the fact that my adrenal gland is not functioning. He said there could be a few possibilities: it could have been damaged during the removal of my kidney, it could just plain not be functioning, or it could be that it has sustained so much trauma from surgeries and meds that it has shut down. We could pursue that possibility in the future by retaking the test and seeing if there is a different result. So in the meantime I remain on the steroids, which is really not a big deal, and order a really cool medic alert bracelet. Things could be much worse.

Since the last time I shared, my feet are doing much better. I just needed to get off of them for an extended period of time. I do have to watch my blood pressure a little more closely as it was pretty high when I visited Safeway to check it this time. Again, not a big deal as long as I monitor more often.

Thank you again for your continued prayers and encouraging words for me and my family. I'll share again soon.

Danene
April 16, 2009