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Post by justaustin on Feb 18, 2009 8:38:11 GMT -5
I would stronly URGE you to purse stim testing for GH and Cortisol with the ITT. This is a two-for. The thing with a study is you may not receive your results and might not receive the treatment you expect. They may be trialing something else. Do find out everything about the study.
If a study doesn't seem the best for you....Even if Kaiser paid for part and you paid for the ramainder. It would be a bargain because you would have both hormones stimmed with one test.
Find out the particulars of where the ITT will be done and who will be responsibe for monitoring you. Find out their protocols for monitoring. A physician should be with you. If not, RUN.
They draw baseline ACTH (should), Cortisol and GH. Meanwhile one or two IV's are inserted. IV insulin is administered to drive down your glucose (goal of 40ish). They measure levels of GH and Cortisol to see how your body responds. During times of stress(and this is stressful) your body produces more cortisol. Your body also produces GH when glucose is low.
Have someone drive you and be sure to bring food to eat the minute this is done. You will need something with sugar to bring it up fast and then protein to help sustain your glucose level. You might feel very tired following.
Since you are still menstruating, you are in healthy age range for ITT.
You are welcome, Laurie
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Post by margaret on Feb 18, 2009 9:46:57 GMT -5
Hi Laurie -
I guess I'll go for it....
Does one have to be HC free for this test? (I've been experimenting w/ cream......
Thanks! Have a good day!
Margaret
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Post by justaustin on Feb 18, 2009 9:53:37 GMT -5
Yes, you need to be off steroid/HC/glandulars for a minimum of 2 weeks if they are stimming cortisol with ITT. And I believe they should do both (stim cortisol and GH).
Have you had all of your PIT hormones tested? If not, have your new doc do this.
Laurie
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Post by margaret on Feb 18, 2009 10:03:48 GMT -5
None of the other pit hormones have been tested, so I'll pursue that as well - thanks again!
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Post by margaret on Feb 18, 2009 10:12:11 GMT -5
Oh, one more question - I've only been doing the cream for a weeks weeks, went up to "full dose" yesterday. Do I need to go backwards slowly or can I just stop?
Thank you!
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Post by justaustin on Feb 18, 2009 10:14:58 GMT -5
I'd wean.
Laurie
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Post by margaret on Mar 25, 2009 19:13:47 GMT -5
I weaned fast and it turned out okay! So, now I finally scheduled my ITT test, but forgot about timing. It will mostly likely fall on the 7th to 9th day of my cycle. Should I reschedule? I'd have to reschedule for a month later and hope I get it right.... Thanks as always!
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Post by justaustin on Mar 28, 2009 11:08:44 GMT -5
It should be fine, regardless of day of cycle. Will they be stimming you for growth hormone and cortisol response?
Laurie
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