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
Hi, I have asked for advice before and I am still waiting on my test results on friday. But I noticed this morning that my left knee on the side of it is a sort of bump thing and it is super sore to the touch. It's normal for me to get random bruises on my legs and they stay for weeks, but this has no color to it, so I am thinking it's not a bruise, it feels hard like a bone, my husband thinks it's vericose veins. Are they painful? I've only seen pictures of those and this doesn't look like it, it's just a bump that is very painful. I have no idea where it came from, I personally think I am too young to have vericose veins, I'm 28. Is this normal for addison's? Just wasn't sure if it could be part of it. Also my next question is someone on here told me they only get diarrhea with the adrenal crisis, how long do they tipically last? I just had a week of relief but then yesterday was the day that broke the streak and I was in pain for several hours and in the bathroom. I wasn't sure if this was also normal for addisons, this happened after having chronic diarrhea and pain for 3 months. Does a crisis last that long? Or is this not tipical for addisons?
Thanks so much, I am nervously and in antisipation for my results on friday, I'm hoping this will be the answers I need and have longed for for a very long time. I just need help.
Thanks so much, I am nervously and in antisipation for my results on friday, I'm hoping this will be the answers I need and have longed for for a very long time. I just need help.
I remember being where you are and not knowing what the heck was going on with my body. Addison's is a very weird disease that affects us in many different ways. Long bouts of diarrhea is very common along with achy joints, headaches and nausea. In my case by the time I was diagnosed I had symptoms of regular diarrhea, frequent mild headaches, achy joints, vise type pressure on my arms and legs especially at night. Difficulty sleeping because of these pain and frequent urination. I also had many black line up and down my finger and toes nails. Sometimes I would get bumps that would just pop out on my knuckle or knees in the night.
So, yes I do believe these symptoms could relate to Addison's. Good luck with your health search. You will feel so much better after taking the correct meds.
I got my diagnosis about middle of April of this year,,, it's been a long time coming.... doctors told me it was all in my head,,, many did this that my husband began to think that too,,,,Until,,,,,,Until..I saw my first Endocrinologist here in South TEXAS. Three tests later and I was diagnosed with Primary Addison's... what a relief to know that it was not in my head and I had a real diagnosis... my family finally could get some answers as well as me...Praise GOD !!! I literally cried when the Endo said, Maggie, you have Addison's Disease..and your symptoms are real and you will feel better with treatment..I hugged that doctor...and then shook his hand... I just felt so justified, and now I could put a name to my symptoms and the awful things it caused me to have. The things Webber said are all true.... not knowing is an awful thing...but,,,,, there is HOPE !!! NEVER GIVE UP !!! Webber mentioned the frequent urination,,,OMG I used to go...(dribble) about every 15 to 20 minutes all through the night,,,get up go ...go back to bed,,get up again, go ,,,go back to bed,,,I never got restful sleep. I was so strung out from not getting any REM sleep,,,you know (dream sleep). Sweetie,,,,, I am going to be in prayer for you for your results on Friday,,(tomorrow)....God is in Control.... and he will lever leave you nor forsake you... that is his promise... to you and to me. My Momma used to have a saying,,," It's darkest before the dawn". You know, it really is,,,and your dawn is right around the corner.... Hang in there,,,sweetie....Please add me as a friend... we all need more Addison's Buddies.... AMEN???? Hugs to you my dear friend, ~TXMaggieMN~ but just call me ~Maggie~ :-)
You asked how long a crisis happens. With mine, it was only a few minutes because I learned to carry salt water with me. My vision would get all gray and foggy, my legs would shake, my voice would get slurred and I couldn't work my hands well enough to call ym husband on my cell phone. In my head, it felt like I was 100% drunk because I couldn't think coherently. My blood pressure would drop from 90/60 down in the 80/50's during those crisis times.
As soon as I drank some salt water, it would halt it. When I got put on adrenal hormone meds, the shock episodes stopped. The crisis is when you are going into shock and no, they don't last 3 months.