Welcome Latrece,

You came to a great support group. I was diagnosed with Addison's a little over a year ago and this group has helped me on many occasions. It is just good to know that other people understand what you are experiencing and don't judge you. After a while you will adjust to knowing you have Addison's and handle what comes along.
We all should wear medical alert bracelets; if you are not wearing one get one ASAP! My endocrinologist told me when I was first diagnosed that she did not recommend I visit my son and his family out of state that weekend unless I had a proper bracelet. I went to a local drug store and purchased a cheap one. When I returned home I ordered my bracelet on-line at n-styleid.com They have great styles and are very comfortable to wear at a good price. My bracelet says: adrenal insufficiency, steroid dependent. I also have a list of meds. I am allergic to on mine but most people only have the first part. I also have a medical card in my wallet that has a list of all my meds. and allergies along with my doctors names and phone numbers.
Having an auto-immune disease such as this is not fun but you can live a very full and happy life.

Thank you for the website . They have beautiful jewelry. I guess I better get to shopping.

Hi, Latrece. I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease and Hypothyroidism in 2007. I know it's scary at first, but you're not alone! You'll be ok. I'm happy to say that I haven't had a crises since I was diagnosed, thankfully. I take prednisone every day and a half a fludrocortisone every other day. I've learned that taking them at bed time works best for me. I have no idea why, but I've tried mornings & afternoons, and this throws me off. I've learned from reading posts on this support group that some people with Addison's struggle more than others. I also know that some people have better support systems at home than others. Don't let people make you feel guilty if you need a rest day. Those who love you will understand. I wear a med bracelet which says, "Adrenal Insufficiency, Requires Steroids, Takes Prednisone Daily". I've had many bracelets and currently have a 1/4 inch Figaro band made of stainless steel which is holding up pretty well. I also don't see my endocrinologist as I find that my primary care physician is much more helpful & understanding. For more information, check out the Addison's Disease Owners Manual, http://www.addisons.org.uk/info/manual/page1.html. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask the wonderful people in this group. You will eventually learn what works best for you. Best wishes!

Thanks. I am so thankful I am finding friends to talk to with the same conditions I have. I also have Thyroid problems and Addison. The doctor also said something about Haschimoto. I hope I could be as strong as so many of you. My family has asked me whether I had a second opinion. I think I will start a discussion on second opinions.

I was diagnosed in 2006 but went undiagnosed for 6 years before that. I have several other autoimmune issues and have had heart problems on top of it all. If it wasn't for my mom I would have never been diagnosed. She found it online and the doc ran the tests.

You asked about medical bracelets/necklaces and they are a must. I agree with Webber that you should put adrenal insufficiency -steroid dependent. Also I noticed you mentioned second opinions and well from personal experience I would recommend it because I have my heart condition due to an overdose of medication from my first endocrinologist.

I am still thinking about a second opinion. I understand from research that once you start on the medication (steroids), you can't get off too easily. I been taking the meds since february. My insurance does not pay for second opinions. When I took the ACTH, I supposed to have waited 60 minutes before giving blood again. Supposed I only waited 59 minutes, would that have made a difference? I think I waited 59 minutes because I didn't know the importance of the test. I will have to talk to my doctor to see if there its a way to run the test again if its not to late. Maybe it won't even make a difference. Maybe it is what it is.

Hi there! I just joined this discussion group a few minutes ago and your entry is the first I've read. I felt while I was reading it that I was the one writing it as well. My name is Jessie and I was just diagnosed a week ago. Still hitting home pretty hard that I have this disease that could be life-threatening and I have two small children. It's scary and even with all the support from my husband and friends, I still feel alone because they haven't had someone look them in the eye and say, "you have a life-threatening diesease"!! IMy endocrinoligist found my sdiesease. I have hyperthryoidism and was feeling dizzy and outof breath and not myself at all, so I was jsut thinging I have to go up on my Synthroid. Went to his office and did blood work and a week later I find all this info out! Scary! How are you doing with it all?? I just got my bracelet in the mail and I feel like I'm in some dream still!!! Your post just touched me because I feel the same way. Just wanted to say hello and glad to know I'm not alone out there!!

I am determined to stay happy. I will not let this disease steal my joy. I will do what I need to be strong. Although AD its rare, one of the best thing about AD, is being a part of a caring group like ours.

To all newcomers like myself, trust in the Lord, discuss your concerns and take care of yourself.

Jessie, if I could be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Happy Mother's Day.

Hello Latrece, Jessie and others recently diagnosed,

I was diagnosed with Addisons disease and Schmidts syndrome (thyroid insufficiency) in 1999 and have been taking hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone and synthroid ever since. Before the meds, I was 35 lbs underweight, ridiculously tan, weak, faint, and an emotional basket case. The meds were like magic; they restored me to normalcy. My main message to you: IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE A COMFORTABLE, ACTIVE, HAPPY LIFE WITH THESE CONDITIONS!

I'm 46. I run 70 miles per week and compete in both road and track races (from 800 meters to marathon). I can outrun fit kids in their teens and 20s and, in the average, small-town road race, usually win in my age group.

Because of my Addisons, I have to be careful exerting myself in the heat, and have, over the years, learned the art of boosting my hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone for race day (particularly hot races). I've felt lousy a few times when I didn't boost meds properly for racing. And marathons require taking meds DURING the race. Other than that, my diseases seem to not slow me down. And I feel great. I have no more aches or pains than any other road racer my age.

For a bracelet, I wear a popular runners' ID bracelet called "RoadID" and I've written my own message for it: "Adrenal insufficiency. If trauma, inject 100mg hydrocortisone." Lots of medical workers don't know what Addisons is, so I like this message that would tell a paramedic exactly what to do should he or she find me suffering by the road...or wherever.

Other advice: read all about your condition and medications. Ask your doctor lots of questions. Eat well. Exercise a lot. And don't drink too much. That's been my formula, and it's been working for me for 13 years.
Good luck!
Dan

I was diagnosed with AD in 1971+1 (My numerical two does not function.Next week I get a new keyboard for the laptop.). As with all things...................think positive. I have been in ctisis once because of stress. Just think of the positive things................because nobody knows anyone else with AD that cannot scare yoiu with someone who lost an eye or a foot or some other crazy thing. AD is not as bad as MG which I also have along with IBS, colitis , celiac , anemia, osteoporosis, arthritis (last two from steriods). Life is good.Tomorrow may be even better.