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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Why I Care

It's just a cold, the average person would say.

No, it's not.

Sick means stress which is bad because my body forgot how to make cortisol, which you need for stress.

So I am back to where I might have to increase the prednisone dose just to cope with this cold.

Why should anyone care? It's just a few lousy milligrams, right?

No, it's not.

Spend some time with Addison's patients and you'll fast learn why.

Disability.

Unemployment.

Osteoporosis leading to broken hips and a degenerating spine.

Bad reactions to steroids.

Never finding the right supplement dose.

Never finding a doctor who knows how to treat adrenal insufficiency.

Actual doctors with Addison's don't fare any better than the average lay person.

The diagnosis is the easy part, the impossible part is living with adrenal insufficiency. It's nowhere near as amenable to treatment as the medical textbooks make it out to be.

If I don't get the adrenals working, the future is uncertain. I will continue to struggle with finding adequate (forget good) medical care, employment may be impossible and my list of medical issues will grow even longer.

There's nothing simple about this cold.

4 comments:

  1. I hope you have been off grains legume and milk.
    Please look into paleo diet. Many people become healthier. I know your specific conditions may not be treatable, but please read the following blog and forum.
    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/
    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-book/success-stories/

    Best of luck

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hopefully you'll feel better and be able to get off the 'roids soon! I'll keep good thoughts and vibes going your way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My need for steroids can change daily. Yesterday I spent the entire day in the bathroom. Fluid loss can cause low potassium, which happens to me 2-3 times a year. My Mom was very sick for almost four months, and she passed away at home with me and sister there. We took care of her the whole time. STRESS!!! There were days I needed to double my meds to get through the day. A cold or a sinus infection will knock me on my ass. If I throw up or have a fever...increase those steroids please. Pardon my short term memory, but have you had an ACTH test or a 24 hour urine test? You need to find a good endo that deals with adrenals. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you. I can share my experiences at least.
    mo

    ReplyDelete
  4. http://www.aace.com/resources/memsearch.php?action=doSrch

    try this website for doctors

    mo

    ReplyDelete

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