I had been ill for about 8 months and gradually getting worse. The doctors just thought I had a thyroid problem and gave me medication for that. In the end, I could hardly eat, got a strange tan, and then I went on holiday in May this year where I got very ill with vomiting, feeling very cold when it was 90 degrees outside, and having bad back pain. I was very dehydrated and could hardly walk by the time we arrived back in England.
My husband took me to A and E the following morning. Luckily, the doctors there were really good and diagnosed my condition quickly which I later found out was adrenal failure, otherwise known as Addison’s Disease – which is a life threatening illness. I was so lucky I reached the hospital in time and they injected the needed cortisone steriod into me. Now I have to take the medication daily for the rest of my life as without it I would not be here today.
I now realize I need to make the most of every day.
Helen
England
Submitted 7-18-11
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Good article. I definitely love this site. Thanks!
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out.
Please let me know where you got your theme. Cheers
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is diagnosed as an Addisons patient. My son John who is only 30 had an Addisons crisis on Boxing Day last year leading to Cardiac Arrest and as a result, suffered Hypoxic Brain Injury. All this came about because of a virus, and the failure of the Cortisone to absorb into his system. John has made a good recovery, having had lots of help from Neuro-Physio, but obviously contines to be a sick lad.
Hello my name is Tina i am 41 with two girls 21 and 13 it is so hard to put on a happy face daily for them but that is my job to be a mother first and then sick second to all with addison’s you will be in my pray and best of wishes to you and all that comes with the condition ..
Tina marie here just wanted to know if anyone lives in columbus ga with addison’s nice to talk to people around the world but would be nice to meet people in same town to talk and listen to someone that knows what i am going through.
Helen, your story is so like mine…Addison’s sucks. I am so glad you were diagnosed and have doctors who know the disease. Hang in there Girl!
mo
Thanks Mo, It’s good to have friends in the same situation xxx
Helen, I’m so glad you were diagnosed so fast! I have Addisons Disease. Took nearly 2 years to diagnose me. I had the nausea, back, leg, joint, stomach pain, also migraines, no energy the list goes on! After seeing many Dr’s and being told it was all in my mind. My family Dr who never gave up on me asked me if i had been on a tanning bed. I had a suntan in January! He told me to wait till he checked a few things out, had me set up for the tests and within a week they knew what it was! When my levals came back the endo couldn’t believe i was still alive, and the only reason i was…. Steroid shots i’d been getting in my head for the migraines! My advice to everyone no matter what the illness NEVER give up if the Dr is not helping see someone else. And for people who know or see any of us AD people, we are not lazy or whiners anyone who lives with this disease as with many other diseases it takes courage to get out of bed every morning to try and live a normal life. I work 30 to 40 plus hours a week as a baker which is hard enough, but with Addison’s pretty good! Live every day with love, joy, fun and a smile, life is way to short to do otherwise. I control my disease, it does not control me!
Shirlieann McCann
A Scottish transplant in Texas!
I’m just diagnosed with addisons and would be glad of any advice, I’m scared and frightened and very unsure on life