question about 'adrenal fatigue'

[[wy...]]

Hope-Fiend posted an amazing link in one of the threads about adrenal fatigue. Reading it, I was astounded at how everything fit perfectly with what I have been experiencing. 100%

 

Then I did a search online and came across all these sites like WebMD and The Mayo Clinic (respected organizations) that talk about adrenal fatigue like it's made up or not a real medical diagnosis.

 

My question is: where did the idea of adrenal fatigue come from if not from the established medical community? This is so frustrating as I feel like this diagnosis finally describes what I am going through and I thought I had an answer. But, once again the 'medical community' makes me doubt my own sanity.

[[Ch...]]

Wylidas,

I just posted a reply to your thread, I think:

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=48209.msg651403#msg651403

 

Adrenal fatigue is thought of as "fad diagnosis" e.g., http://www.hormone.org/Public/upload/Adrenal-Fatigue-Web.pdf

 

You should not doubt your own sanity, or your symptoms. What you are experiencing IS REAL. If you search for "adrenal fatigue," there are a lot of sites, e.g., The Road Back, etc. that want to sell expensive vitamins/supplements to "cure" you of a "diagnosis" that has, as of yet, no medical basis. Vitamins and supplements can help with some of your w/d symptoms, but if you have true adrenal problems, only a medical doctor, like an endocrinologist can determine that type of problem with blood tests. I know this, because it happened to me, and I was on medication for it. It was scary and took a lot of medical intervention to solve.

 

I'm not trying to put down naturopathic medicine, because I think it has its place and can be of real value. But I'm someone that has a lot of serious, chronic medical problems, and I have to rely on the "medical community" for answers to things, otherwise my  health would be seriously compromised right now.

 

I want you to find answers too. As someone who has dealt with real adrenal problems, I just urge caution about the notion a diagnosis of "adrenal fatigue" because I don't want you to waste a lot of money on expensive supplements that may do nothing to address something that is truly underlying going on; or conversely, that is simply the healing taking place as part of recovering from w/d.

 

There is this flip-side, however (Richard Shames), if you want to learn more, who does believe that adrenal fatigue is real and treatable: http://thyroid.about.com/b/2010/10/28/hormone-foundation-endocrine-society-adrenal-fatigue-controversy.htm

 

I don't know what the answers are. I'm just cautious myself, because I was a severe case.

 

I wish you the best, and hope you find some answers with your naturopathic doctor soon.

 

Best,

CB

[[wy...]]

THanks, CherryBlossom - I really do appreciate your honesty and candor.

 

I guess I am just so worried that I am stuck this way. I am actually thinking about canceling my Naturopathic Doc appointment. I am concerned that it is going to be $300 for her just to tell me nothing more than I already know. I have no doubts in my mind that this is withdrawal related and that this will pass as time goes on, then I will be in a better position to really judge my medical conditions.

 

 

[[Ch...]]

I know this is really hard right now. I've hit a stumbling block in my taper from K because of severe illness, but during the taper, I had such bizarre sxs, that it was just unfathomable.

 

I found this to be extremely helpful: http://www.psychmedaware.org/recovery_tips.html

 

I think we all want to know the magic answer: when will it end? when will I be normal again? I'm sure the naturopath could give you some ideas that could aid in easing your sxs in recovery, but ultimately, I think time is the "magic pill" that cures us.

 

I work with a Pharm-D who is in private consult. What I get from her is (1) reassurance that most of what I'm experiencing is completely normal, with a scientific basis for why (I like scientific reasoning for things - it helps me understand what is going on) and (2) when things are abnormal, we look into them from a medical perspective, so any fears I have can be allayed that I don't have some kind of real, medical problem going on that needs attention/intervention.

 

I'm not against natural medicine at all. I think a lot of good can come from the right types of alternative therapies in adjunct to making sure we are getting good conventional medical care. I think this is called integrative medicine, and I think it works quite well.

 

I know you will find answers, and you will heal. Just keep going and doing your best.

 

CB

 

PS - I remember reading in one of your posts that you work(ed) for Apple? Am I going to be able to get an iPhone 5 this year? That would seriously help me out with my recovery ;-)

[[wy...]]

That is really great that you have someone to help alleviate your fears. I guess I am still searching for that kind of support. I wish there was a way to locate truly benzo-wise doctors in my area.

 

I do work for the fruit company. But, alas, I know nothing more than the general public about product announcements. It really is a super secret world in the product development arena. I am hoping for the same thing you are!