Addison's Disease Support Group

Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is a rare endocrine disorder. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 2 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone

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Endocrine System
/ Addison's Disease Support Group

Adrenal Crisis

sinead92
sinead92
In February of this year I was diagnosed with a combination of Diabetes Type 1 (insulin dependent) and Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease). I had an adrenal crisis but don't remember much and i find this very disorientating. I also find it hard to remember memories from the past and also memories from after the crisis. I was just wondering if anyone has had an adrenal crisis and if so what happened and do you have the same problem? Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had the same problems. While I was still trying to find out what was wrong with me I apparently ( as I have NO memory of this) saved a 9 month old from choking... his parents still thank me for it and tear up....more than ten years later. I also, after diagnosis, meet people who know me... and I have NO idea who they are... I am better now about asking "How did we meet?" but I agree it is frustrating, embarrassing and sad.
Well, I guess we just have to make more memories... not a bad assignment.
sinead92
sinead92
Wow yeah i thought there might be something wrong with me but its good to know I'm not the only one with this problem :-). Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Sinead,
Welcome! You're definitely not alone. Although I have vivid memories of most of my crises, it's ONLY because I was trying so hard not to go into total organ failure AND making sure the MDs knew what they were doing...sheer desperation, on high alert. The times I've had no memory whatsoever, is when I did lose consciousness, along with all vitals. I guess that was a good thing, not a memory I want to keep!

I once thought it was embarrassing to collapse (or worse) in public, but it is so amazing how to see how many strangers are true Angels. Acts of kindness, erase any embarrassment. However, the fine details are definitely hazy. I wouldn't recognize any of the wonderful people who had helped me, if I fell over them (again)! and I have no memory of getting home, or to the hosp.

Camckinnon, your story is amazing! I guess you were acting upon sheer instinct & devotion to your training, powerful forces. A perfect example of why we LOVE nurses!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Sinead! Welcome to our little neck of the woods :) I too have had the same problems while entering/in crisis. Before I was diagnosed and was in and out of hospitals I don't really remember going in the hospitals but I start remembering a day or two into my hospital stay (with the exception of my last hospital stay during this time period because I was nearing crisis but not in full crisis and my doctors were amazing!). However in January when I went to the hospital for crisis I have blips I remember, I don't remember walking to the truck or the drive or even getting into a hospital bed but I remember fighting to stay conscious because the doctors treating me had no idea what I needed and they were refusing to call my doctor 2 hours away because he wasn't within the hospital system. Once they finally hooked me up to an IV and started the steroid drip I was out for a few hours.

I'm guessing it must be pretty normal since our body is under such stress that some of it just starts to shut off in order to support vitals Just a total guess though, I really have no idea.

Camckinnon - I agree with Lunar amazing story!
sinead92
sinead92
Thanks for the replies guys, it really is great to know that im not alone in this :-D