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 went to see my primary doctor for a regular check in and told her about some new changes. I was feeling weaker than what's normal for me and the my appetite was completely gone and had been for about two weeks by then. She decided to check my cortisol levels, the results are that my numbers were low.
She recommend I get in to see an endocrinologist to find the cause especially since she suspected adrenal insufficiency.
The symptoms I have are; blood pressure imbalance issues, intense sensitivity to cold, crave salt, and have been battling migraines without much luck, worsening fatigue.
I have had two major operations in the last few years and each time I was woken from being sedated I had a very hard time recovering.
The first one they couldn't get me to wake up and then my breathing was irregular. The second one I became extremely ill and was nearly re-hospitalized and it took me weeks longer than the usual patient to begin recovering properly.
I only just received health insurance and will finally be able to get in to see an endocrinologist in a few weeks.
I am just wondering if anyone is able to provide their experience or input.
She recommend I get in to see an endocrinologist to find the cause especially since she suspected adrenal insufficiency.
The symptoms I have are; blood pressure imbalance issues, intense sensitivity to cold, crave salt, and have been battling migraines without much luck, worsening fatigue.
I have had two major operations in the last few years and each time I was woken from being sedated I had a very hard time recovering.
The first one they couldn't get me to wake up and then my breathing was irregular. The second one I became extremely ill and was nearly re-hospitalized and it took me weeks longer than the usual patient to begin recovering properly.
I only just received health insurance and will finally be able to get in to see an endocrinologist in a few weeks.
I am just wondering if anyone is able to provide their experience or input.
I would ask for a thyroid panel from the endo too. The sensitivity to cold is a sign of hypothyroidism. I was dx with both Addison's and hypothyroidism at the same time. A lot of the symptoms overlap. If you do get the thyroid tests don't just go by the TSH number. You need to find out what your Free T3 and Free T4 are also. A lot of endo's go solely on the TSH, which really doesn't help if your going to get the right amount of medication to feel better.
I hope this helps. Ask any questions you might have. Hope your feeling better soon.