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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JudithPoodith 10/02/2010

Yes, it's me, complaining again. There must be a way I can get this belly down, short of popping it with a long pin! I have slim arms and legs, small bum, and the beach ball in the middle. I look so Cushinoid! I'm always holding back on foods I know are fattening...I've had two servings of French Fries in one year! I don't drink soda. It's frustrating, because it doesn't look healthy, and loving fashion as I do, everything is out for me to wear, except swing or babydoll tops. More than likely, I wear the big tee...how sophisticated! Crazy thing is, I still wear sz. 9 Jr. jeans. Isn't there anything we can do, to lose the belly weight? I figure, over the course of 6 years, I've gained 20 lbs! I wouldn't mind so much, if it were evenly distributed. I'm not fat-phobic. But, you know...there it is. Anyone have a steam roller?? =0

Vanyel 10/02/2010

I don't, but if you figure it out, let me know, cause i have a beach ball belly too and i want it gone. That and all the belly pain and bowel problems. I'm sick to death of it. Sigh.

JudithPoodith 10/03/2010

I know, Vanyel, and while I'm fortunate not to have the lower GI problems, the steroids have given me reflux issues. =[ Like my first endo. said, it's a hard disease.
On a lighter note, maybe we should have a beautiful belly contest! (or not...)
Guess all we can do is eat well, get enough rest (I have trouble with that), excercise when we can, and take the lowest amount of steroid we can get away with. I have no other ideas...
I hope you'll feel better!
Judith

deleted_user 10/03/2010

Judith, Your entry is well received and gave me a good little chuckle. I too COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND this belly bulge issue. Having been a weightlifter for 30 yrs. i have always had a flat, 6 pack ab. Now, forget it!!!!! It's just like u said, where is that pin to pop the beach belly ball!!!! I dont exercise now, as I have major back issues and I naturally do not have a belly. I know its the AD and the med which cause this problem. I so sympathize with you. I myself gained 20 lbs. in 2 months! Astonishing, especially since i have weighed the same since i have been 18 yrs old. i am now just about 49. This is so frustrating as I just adore fashion myself. I don't even think it's a matter of what we eat, from what i understand b/c of the AD, and med the body does not break down fats, carbs ets. as a "normal" AD free person would. We can only hope that since Qualitest is in trouble, they can come up with an even better med to replace the HC with less side effects and better results for quality of life. Also, Vanyel, is right, the belly pain problems and bowel problems are so sickening. I totally agree with both of you. Have a great rest of the weekend. Christine Marie

deleted_user 10/03/2010

judith,

i've decided that this 'central obesity' can have a nice look at my
'central finger.'

and that's how i feel about that right now. ;)

xo, misa

JudithPoodith 10/03/2010

Thanks, Christine and Misa...guess we're all in this together! You know, I get the NADF (National Adrenal Diseases Foundation) online newsletters, and they said that Sweden was working on a HC that would act more like the body's own regulation of cortisol, and some of us took part in a survey for them. They claim that our FDA has agreed to okay it for American use, when the Swedes complete their human trials. Some hope, perhaps? It really is hard, when you've always been in shape (I've climbed the Presidential Range in N.H.'s White Mountains, decended Mt. Washington's steep, track side, over Jacob's Ladder trestle (sp), etc.) Bragging, yup! That's the past.
Misa, you always crack me up! =D
Keep keeping on, everyone!!! We ARE beautiful, in our own way.
Judith

deleted_user 10/04/2010

judith, some hope!

you always bring happiness and hope.
long live judith and her hope - hooray!

xo, misa

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