Vanyel

Close Addison's Disease

Discovered adrenal insufficiency after having 4 surgeries in 4 years and feeling so fatigued I could barely function. That and severe arthritis. Because I took low dose prednisone for several years, they don't know if it is Addison's or if the adrenals shut down due to the prednisone. It all remains unclear. Thyroid also doesn't work.

Treatments

Cortisol Somewhat Helpful

hate the side effects, has not helped the fatigue

Cymbalta Somewhat Helpful

Taking for depression - unsure if it contributes to tremors/sweats. It does work for depression. Not helpful for pain.

Florinef Too Soon to Tell

can't really tell

Prednisone Somewhat Helpful

works better than hydrocortisone for me

Close Arthritis

Treatments

Arthroscopy Not Working

Had this on the knee before it was replaced - made it much worse. Had it on my ankle last Dec. Made it much worse.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Somewhat Helpful

Does not seem to help much, but I do notice increased pain if I stop taking it.

Naproxen Not Working

Did not help at all

Relafen Not Working

Did not help at all

Surgery, Knee Replacement Working / Worked

Had not choice, could not walk on it anymore to work. Had it done at age 47. Knee still hurts and gives me trouble, but I can work.

Swimming Somewhat Helpful

Used to help but not available to me now

Synvisc Too Soon to Tell

Had this done on my ankle. Did not work. Had surgery on the ankle on Dec 2 08. He injected it again with synvisc a couple weeks ago. We shall see

Tylenol Somewhat Helpful

Helps a little bit, takes just the barest edge off.

Voltaren Working / Worked

Worked well for a long time, but had to stop taking due to stomach issues. Also afraid of cardiac effects.