Sheri--so sorry you are having so much stress because that is what is making you sick. We have no adrenaline. That is what is needed to handle stress. You have to find some way to relax and resting is necessary. Do not feel like you shouldn't be doing it. It is what you need. All of these stressors are out of your control. Your son is in the best place he can be. Your husband is in charge of finding work or early retirement. The doctors are doing what is best for your mom. Now you must concentrate on you so you can be there for them. I will pray for you and yours. So sorry. You have been hit so hard. Stay strong and take care of you. I would talk to the doctor about that blood pressure. That low and no one could get out of bed!

Thank you for taking the time to read all of my rant and for responding cookiennan!!!
This disease is not for the faint of heart!!

Hi Sheri7, firstly I will say that I have not been fully diagnosed with Addison's Disease, however, am awaiting my endocrinology appointment to confirm the doctors suspicions, so I can empathize with some of the things you are feeling. I am sorry you are struggling with your health and have many things in your life adding additional stress, along with the stress of having medical conditions that can be so devastating, along with their harsh treatments on the human body.

I have only been facing the symptoms of Addison's for two months and already I can see the debilitating effect it has on a person's body and mind. It is a lot to handle for 2 months let alone 13 years. I really admire you for staying as strong as you can during all these times of stress.

I certainly can't give advice as to what you should do treatment and symptom wise, as I'm still figuring out what to do myself. However, I can say if I was in your position, and I had a disease that, though I was being treated for, the treatments didn't seem to be working. I would personally go to my doctor, have a check-up, and review the recent symptoms, current treatment and suggested new treatment plan. That's where I would start.

Though I am undiagnosed I feel your pain, and if you ever need to rant feel free to contact me. I'm new to the forum and would like to learn more about this frightening disease, and how it has continued throughout their lives, affected them. Forgive me, I am a nosey person, but I like to know peoples stories and experiences. So, if you ever feel like sharing, I'm here!

I hope you find comfort soon from all this stress and illness, and that you are swift in your treatment. Thoughts and good feelings sent your way!

Sheri - It's very important that you take care of yourself and that can be extremely hard when you are a daughter, wife and mother. I've had
Addisons for 26 years and are doing well now. But in 1989 our sixteen year old son died suddenly from pulmonary hypertension and my health plummeted. Stress is our enemy and stress is always present in our lives but realize it's ok to be weak and sick - it's part of this disease that we have to manage.

Sheri, you're not ranting, just needing help!
I'm 67, and my health has been plummeting from extreme stress (home being sold, can't afford my own place to live, impending surgery, etc.) I think, as the others have said, that the stress is the main thing that's probably affecting you. As we know, emotional stress is just as hard on us, as physical stress.
I'm sure that age makes it some harder for us to bounce back, like anything else. I'm glad that your son is in a good place, and even though you've got other things going on, I hope you can take some moments for yourself...I have found some of the youtube hypnosis and guided meditation on relaxation, to be helpful.
I do hope you'll feel better.

Hi. I'm 66 and was diagnosed with Addison's at 56. So, I agree with JudithPoodith's contribution that aging is not favorable to anyone yet alone Addison's patients. Other medical problems usually contribute to our already sensitive autoimmune system(if it exists at all), fatigue, inability for any gland to function at all ~ I am not an expert in this; I am merely an Addison's Disease patient who deals with day-to-day crap like many who absolutely have no where to go to basically. If you hear of any groups, info. re: same interests, same pains, etc., please share.
It's comforting to have friends here who know and support you. Keep posting and talking and doing the very best you can for you. Take care.

Hi, I have just joined today!!!!

I think what it means is by taking HC one is able (physically) to have a 'normal' life. As for stresses coming our way, that is something we have to deal with them the best way we can using meditation, taking walks, whatever you think it can/does help you. I am 78 and if you knew my
life... I better don't start... One thing is really helping me is what is called mindful meditation. It is really easy to do. My partner (73) also suffering from Addison's finds the MINDFUL MEDITATION very helpful. It only takes 30 min at a set time of the day. We do it at 3 pm. I prefer if you google it rather than me explaining it to you.
Another thing that is very important is to be on a diet. Have you been tested for gluten? I am going to be tested tomorrow!!! (finally). There are lots of people helping us the sick people with diets. It is not easy though to find which one is the best . . . but if you eat carbohydrates, and sugars, you are not helping your body at all. There is a doctor Alessio Fasano who know a lot about endocrine/diet.
I wish you a lot of strength with your husband and mum. Nobody understand what we go through, only another Addisonian. My partner has Addison's, secondary which is very different to mine, he is a man... so he does not UNDERSTAND ME!!!
I wish you luck and you can contact me anytime you want. I have answers for the blood pressure as well. I have been through that!
Take care
monsie pickles
Australia