addisons vs adrenal dysfunction - Addison's Disease Message Board

dawn2 · 12-10-2002, 02:27 PM

Does anyone know the difference between adrenal dysfunction and addition's disease? Thanks!

PVS · 12-11-2002, 10:53 AM

Hi Dawn-
From some other sources I have heard that the difference lies mostly in why the adrenal gland is disfunctioning. If it is the adrenal gland that is damaged and/or malfuctioning and has stopped producing Cortisol then Addisons is the diagnosis. If the problem is originating because of a problem with the pituitary signaling the adrenals or some other problem then Adrenal Insufficiency I believe is the term used.

For all intents and purposes the effect is virtually the same. My Dr. flips back and forth with which "name" he calls it. It all has to be treated with cortisol replacement. Not very technical but hope it helps- PV

dawn2 · 12-11-2002, 03:48 PM

Thanks PVS:
I guess by my bloodwork they figured I was low on Cortisol, plus my blood pressure has been extremely low. They also did a head scan and said that was fine. Does drinking lots of water and added salt truly help? I have been told to do this for this condition. I just can't stand the feeling of almost passing out unders some stressful condtions when my bp drops. I just don't understand how one develops this condition. It is life changing. Dawn2

PVS · 12-12-2002, 09:09 AM

Dawn-
Are you on cortisone replacement? Salt cravings can be really intense when your body is low on cortisol. Before my diagnosis I was sucking on potato chips just to get the salt fix. Of course at the time they had no idea of the problem. What have you been formally diagnosed with? Paulette

dawn2 · 12-12-2002, 11:07 AM

PVS:
I've also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia (with myofacial), CFIDS, severe allergies (foods and chemicals), tmj, adrenal dysfunction, hypothryroid and now possibly sjogrens. I am on Cortef - about 12.50 mg per day. They started me and have slowly increased. I think they'll probably max me out on 20 mg a day. Yes, salt cravings big time. I would eat chips, cheestos, fritos - anything for the salt. Now I've found out that I'm allergic to corn which is in iodized salt. I can only have sea salt or non-iodized salt. This has been such a long and frustrating journey with my health. Until I hit my 30's - I never had any problems. Now, it's been one battle after another! I have tried putting the salt in the water and drink it, but it's almost gagging! Dawn2