the reason your meds have been upped is because your addisons makes a "normal" cold or being "under the weather" much worse than what it would be under normal circumstances...my wife has it as well and she's "under the weather" as well...do you find yourself sleeping more? and btw...when you get rid of this "cold" your doc will most likely lower your dosage back to the level your accustomed to...hope this helps

The florinef doesn't necessarily have to be increased when you're sick. My understanding is that HC has some of the same properties as florinef, so if you've upped your HC dose you should be ok. However if you start having problems with feeling lightheaded or sweating a lot, or have the runs then you may feel the need to up florinef a bit. Good luck and I hope you start feeling better soon!

It sounds like you have a compassionate MD, but sorry you're not well.

In non-ADs, cortisol levels naturally increase by ~5x's during illness, or stress. This natural increase halts progression of illness and aids in the healing process. Since we lack the automatic regulation of cortisol, the general the rule of thumb is to double your usual HC dose when ill, or highly stressed, which is exactly what your MD has advised.

Fludro mimics aldosterone and there is no association between aldosterone and illness. Therefore, there is no biological requirement for increased fludro, in and of itself. As Kristen said, you will be receiving additional fludro properties via increased HC. That should be effective for any intestinal upset. Taking additional fludro during illness, can actually exacerbate symptoms and/or cause new complications*.

I've increased HC by 7xs when acutely ill. I'm not recommending this, just making a point that a short increased course will not place you in harm's way. For me it does a good job and keeps me out of those awful hospitals! I resume my usual dose within 3-5 days and I have never experienced any adverse reaction.

It's wise to maintain proper hydration, get extra rest and make sure your a.m. temp doesn't exceed 101. Feel better Sinead.

*An Easier Fludro Analogy(?): We are not advised to carry Emergency Injectable Fludro, nor do ERs administer IV Fludro. However, both scenarios do include HC. So, double dosing with fludro is not advisable.

Thanks everyone for the help, especially Lunarphase, your input was really helpful. I've been to see my G.P again and she recommended that I go to A&E just to be safe with the Addison's so unfortunately i have had a very long and stressful night in the hospital. But the Doctors in A&E were very helpful and after blood tests, a chest X-Ray and a physical examination they determined that the cause of my chest pain is actually Intercostal Neuritis or Costochondritis, which is extremely painful and mimics a heart attack, which is treated with anti-inflammatories. Also the doctors have lowered down my HC back to normal. So I've been taking the anti-inflammatories for a day now and i am just hoping that the pain will go away soon, Thanks again for all the help :-).