Thanks for your question! Cushing's Disease is one very hard disease to diagnose. Other than this one afternoon blood test, have you been tested more extensively for Cushing's?
Here are some of the tests?
Tests for Cortisol Levels
24-hour urinary free cortisol level—urine is collected for 24 hours and tested
Late-Evening cortisol saliva/blood level—saliva or blood is collected around 11pm and tested
Dexamethasone suppression test—a synthetic cortisl called dexamethasone is taken by mouth; blood and urine samples may be taken overnight or over several days
Tests to Determine Cause of Cushing's Syndrome
CRH stimulation test
ACTH level
High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
X-rays and Scans
These tests may show whether there is a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands or another area of the body. Common imaging tools include:
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
Chest x-ray —which may detect tumors in the lungs
Your doctor may not perform ALL of these tests on you, but I think given your symptoms you do warrant at least a few tests to rule out Cushing's. Your cortisol level was elevated, but it wasn't that far from the normal. However, the test is usually performed late at night for more accurate results.
You sound like an educated person, if you feel like your doctor is "blowing" you off, then I encourage you to seek a second (or third) opinion. If you need help finding a doctor in your area-- please let us know.
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Hello Anon,
Thanks for your question! Cushing's Disease is one very hard disease to diagnose. Other than this one afternoon blood test, have you been tested more extensively for Cushing's?
Here are some of the tests?
Tests for Cortisol Levels
24-hour urinary free cortisol level—urine is collected for 24 hours and tested
Late-Evening cortisol saliva/blood level—saliva or blood is collected around 11pm and tested
Dexamethasone suppression test—a synthetic cortisl called dexamethasone is taken by mouth; blood and urine samples may be taken overnight or over several days
Tests to Determine Cause of Cushing's Syndrome
CRH stimulation test
ACTH level
High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
X-rays and Scans
These tests may show whether there is a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands or another area of the body. Common imaging tools include:
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
Chest x-ray —which may detect tumors in the lungs
Your doctor may not perform ALL of these tests on you, but I think given your symptoms you do warrant at least a few tests to rule out Cushing's. Your cortisol level was elevated, but it wasn't that far from the normal. However, the test is usually performed late at night for more accurate results.
You sound like an educated person, if you feel like your doctor is "blowing" you off, then I encourage you to seek a second (or third) opinion. If you need help finding a doctor in your area-- please let us know.
Hope you find the answer to your symptoms,
Rosa
April 16, 2011 - 7:01amThis Comment
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