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
I was driving down the street and I saw a bumper sticker with Addison on it and Cure in red. Because I never met anyone with Addison Disease, I followed the car, hoping it will stop at a nearby neighborhood so I could talk to the person. .But it didn't stop, so I had to let it go on. Then I wondered, how many people in Texas has Addison? He how many people in Houston has Addison? Am I the only one in Humble, TX (a small town next to Houston)? Am I the only one that looks like me? Am I one of the rarest of rare? What am I really facing? I read DS journals of how other Addisonian are feeling tired and in pain. Right now, I do not feel like that. Will I feel like that in the future? Is that my fate? I take 10g of hydrocortosome and 5g b/t 2 and 3. My endocrinologist doctor has never talked to me about another medicine nor a crisis kit, I hope I am not his only Addisonian. I will have to ask him about some of the things I have learned on DS. I hope that he has missdiagnosed me and this is only dream. I might ask him to retest just to ease my mind because many of the things you all are experiencing, I have not. My only complaints were cold, sore muscles and joints and being tired everyday. After the many blood test, he said I have thyroid, haschimoto and now addison. . Well, I did buy my bracelet and it should be here in about two weeks. I thank all of you for your advice and wisdom. As I learn more about this site (1. how to add friends), I hope to help others as I have been helped these last few days. God's blessings to all.
That is wonderful that you ordered a bracelet; it could save your life. Also, you definitely need to get an injection kit to keep with you. Us Addisonian's can go from good to really bad very quickly. It may seem like you are the only person in Texas to have AD but know that there are a few of us rare birds to help at this site in cyperspace!
I live in Deep South TEXAS and have Addison's...there are many of us down here...my Endo has 53 patients. They travel as far as Dallas to down here to see him. (6-7) hour drive. Feel free to add me as a friend......my biggest problem with Addison's is fatigue and profuse sweating which leads to dehydration very fast. Have to be so very very careful....it's HOT HOT HOT down here....LOL....May God Bless your socks off today sweetie,, ~Maggie~
Thanks for your comments. My husband said I research too much and I am only getting myself depressed. Maybe he is right. Because this is new to me I only want to learn and meet others.
I am Pro Research.... knowledge is empowerment over your disease.
My diagnosis was just a little over a year ago.... misdiagnosed for many many years...I am STILL learning....each day is a new and different lesson. Having Addison's Friends is so very important. We can share victories and lend a shoulder... :-) Most of all.....God is in Control..... and allowing each day to teach you something is so crucial. Momma used to say, "A day without learning something new is a day wasted" ! Momma was always right.... LOL..... your new friend, ~Maggie~
I've found that drinking a cup or 2 or 3 of chicken buillon helps with the salt need. Has lots more sodium than salt tablets when I really crave salt, besides, I like the taste of it.
Do watch out for the heat. It can zap you bad.
Maggies mother had a lot of wisdom!
VJMP
Read all you can about Addison's, all the info is about the same and hasnt changed much at all over the years. I continue to read what I can find on-line, just in case something has changed.
I have heat issues as well but I also am very sensitive to the cold. I guess my only major issue is the constant tiredness. I wake up tired and go to bed tired. I have on average 3 days a month that I actually feel good and watch out.... I am a crazy maniac. Getting as much done as I can because the rest of the month I barely make it through an 8 hour work day!
Good luck and never give up the fight!!