A couple of weeks ago, I took Caleb to the endocrinologist. I was referred to her so we could have a specialist follow Caleb's thyroid and sodium levels. The doctor ordered blood work to test his thyroid levels, his growth hormone levels, and other levels in his body. When I explained how uncomfortable Caleb has been for the past couple of months, she was also curious to see if Caleb was producing the hormone Cortisol. She thought his discomfort could be related to a cortisol deficiency. The cortex of the brain is responsible for producing cortisol, so it made sense to check that hormone level since Caleb doesn't have a cortex. I read that a cortisol
deficiency can sometimes be fatal, so I was curious to learn more:
Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:
- Proper glucose metabolism
- Regulation of blood pressure
- Insulin release for blood sugar maintenance
- Immune function
- Inflammatory response
Although stress isn’t the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream, it has been termed “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.The endocrinologist called me the next day after looking at Caleb's blood work results. She found that Caleb wasn't producing cortisol at all. She was amazed he had made it through his surgeries, and other stressful times with this deficiency. She said, "WOW, this kid must be as tough as nails!"
So now I'm giving my "tough as nails" Caleb
hydrocortisone twice a day. If he ever acts sick I'm supposed to triple the dosage, and if he ever has an unexpected trauma I have injections to give him a quick dose.
We were hoping the hormone would improve the discomfort Caleb has been experiencing. It has seemed to help some, but he still has a ways to go. However, we have noticed that Caleb seems to be more alert and aware and we're tickled with that! I'm interested to see what we notice in the upcoming weeks! The endocrinologist explained that
adrenal issues can be really tricky to find, so we feel really blessed to have more knowledge and another tool to help Caleb feel happy in his body.
Dear Caleb,
Thank you for being so patient with your little body. You might be tough as nails, but you'll always be my snugly little boy. I love you so very much.
