Effects of ACTH

By Dani Reynolds from Yakima, WA on February 18, 2006
Category: Cosyntropin

For a year I have had a vast array of symptoms including Gastrointestinal problems: diarreah, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain. These were all diagnosed with Collagenous Collitis in May of 2005, however after many forms of treatment, I was not "healed" and conversely, my symptoms got worse and spread throughout my body. I am now, for the last 2 weeks incapacitated by chronic pain, mostly in the knees, ankles and shoulders, and all large muscles. I am extremely fatigued, sleeping anywhere from 12 - 20 hours in 24 and have dizziness and pain behind my eyes. I also have some "off" blood work; high liver enzymes and abnormal smooth muscle antibody titer. 3 weeks ago I suffered from angioedema and hives and was treated for this with prednizone on a tapered dose for 2 weeks. I was seen at Virginia Mason yesterday where drew a base line blood cortisol level (and other pituary stimulated hormones) and then was administered 250 mcg of consyntropin (ACTH) IM, waited an hour and then retested for cortisol and pituitary insufficiency. Within 10 minutes of being injected with ACTH, the migraine that I had experienced throughout the day was gone, and I had more energy and ability to function than I have had in a month. It did not "cure" me, but it sure did make me feel better. What does this indicate if anything, and can this "miracle drug" be administed to someone like me on a regular basis to be able to function at a normal rate in my life? How long can the positive effects of the injection of ACTH last? I have a full time job, am happily married with 4 children and am 42 years old. I have a history of 7 abdominal surgeries (2 C-sect, 4 adhesion removal, gall bladder removal and a hysterectomy/bladder repair after rupturing uterus, bladder, cervix and birth canal during child birth 8 years ago.) Although the last year has definitely been the roughest, I have not been at 100% since my daughter was born, although up until now (hopefully), doctors have not been able to identify the cause. I have been treated for depression, GERD, collitis, hypothroidism and high cholesterol. I am desperate for any help than can be offered.

Thank you,
Dani Reynolds

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