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 am curious with other people with Addison's and how they handle stress. Yesterday I was told some very stressful news that hurt me alot. But I wasn't as upset about it as much as I should of been. Yes I was upset but nothing like I should be, is this normal with Addisons?
Firstly, I'm sorry you were hurt, but I find it interesting you weren't as stressed, as you thought you should have been. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, even sending us into a full blown crisis, yet you managed well!!
Since cortisol is the Master stress controller, when it's deplete, there are no on/off mechanisms to aid in stress management. It may seem confusing to you, but it could very well be, you're achieving an appropriate steroid dose/level.
Again, I am sorry you were hurt, but most importantly, think of it as a good sign. Most ADs are biologically incapable of handling stress.
Stress reduction was my #2 mission, post diagnosis, as I had zero cortisol & stress had such a detrimental impact on my body. I floundered for a while, trying to find solutions, while your reaction seemed to have come naturally! Kudos to you & don't stress about it :)
As to Question #2... I handle stress differently than I did prior , particularly emotional stress. Previously I had debilitating reactions to stress... which seen now to be the same as symptoms of low steroid... nausea, weakness GI upset, feelings of impending doom...quite frightening. I do not have the same reactions now. I naturally feel emotional distress, but do not have the overwhelming physical reaction I once had and feel this is a much more functional way to be.
I have wondered also about this change. Does this address your question?
I have found the difference in my reaction to assist me is being thoughtful and helpful at times when I would have been a physical and emotional wreck previously.
I hope you are feeling better.
I am sorry your having stress and it sounds like your HC doses are carrying you through it pretty well. I have to just go and lay down. Just doing that through out the day on & off really helps.
I also experienced numbness in my lower legs until I started taking B6, 25 or 50mgs a day. Not more than that is recommended.
I also take a B12 pill.
I always remind myself "this too shall pass"!
Best of luck,
Sunshine
Talking about stress,,,last year I was told I had a Deep Vein Thrombosis and a Pulmonary Embolism and had to have my Thyroid taken out all in the same week. I was stressed to the max... this was BEFORE my Addison's diagnosis... I was just a wrung out old cleaning rag... at least I felt like one...I don't handle stressful situations now very good...the tear ducts open and I burst out in full blown crying...it is relieving somehow.. Plus my medications...Power of prayers heading your way,,,,Believe me they work.... TXMaggieMN (hugs)
Joanne
Just to let you know a Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot the body...mine happened to be behind my left knee... The Pulmonary Embolism is when that blood clot breaks off and goes to your lung,,I almost died....Most people don't live to say, " I am Alive I lived through a Pulmonary Embolism"!!! It can be instant death...you are there and the next minute your not...I had to take a blood thinner for over 6 months to make sure it dissolved and I had to get a titanium "Umbrella" Filter a "Green Field Filter" placed down into the Inferior Vena Cava in my upper chest it is in my abdomen now permanently to "Catch" any further blood clots from possibly travelling to the other major arteries in my body and causing another serious problem.... GOD IS SO GOOD!!! Hope this explains things for you... (smile) ~TXMaggieMN~