Paging Dr. MIA

So I finally heard back from the doctor, and by heard back from her I really mean the lab called me and left a message saying I needed to schedule an appointment for my "Cortison Stim Test" Which I am figuring out from googling is a Cortisol Stim test, there isn't much info out there, but I did find this from the WiseGeek page,

A cortisol stimulation test, sometimes known as a synacthen test, is used to investigate the production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is normally released by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, in response to a hormone known as ACTH, which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. During a cortisol stimulation test, a synthetic copy of ACTH is given by injection, and cortisol levels in the blood are measured before and after the injection to see if they rise as expected. If low cortisol levels are found after the test, this could indicate a problem with the adrenal glands.

There are short and long versions of the cortisol stimulation test. In the short version, cortisol testing involves having a sample of blood taken from a vein to measure cortisol levels. Next, an injection of synthetic ACTH is given, into a muscle or vein. After waiting for around half an hour, a second blood sample is taken and cortisol levels are measured again to see if the adrenal glands responded normally to the injection. The longer version of the test is similar but, instead of taking just the second blood sample, a whole series of samples are taken to assess cortisol levels and adrenal gland function over 24 hours.

So I guess now she thinks I might have Addison's Disease? That's usually why this test is given from what I gather, which is in fact sort of the opposite of Cushing's.

The NIH page describes it as,
"Adrenal insufficiency is an endocrine—or hormonal—disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary."

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually begin gradually. The most common symptoms are

• chronic, worsening fatigue
• muscle weakness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Other symptoms can include

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting
• irritability and depression
• a craving for salty foods due to salt loss
• hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose
• headache
• sweating
• in women, irregular or absent menstrual periods

Some of those things are similar to Cushing's, except I definitely DO NOT have the weight loss.  I'm frustrated because I feel like the doctor is all over the place. I don't know what would lead her to think I might have Addison's, and how should I know? She's never bothered to call me back.