Hi! I've been having a collection of strange symptoms, some of which I've had for quite a while, but they've started to be more significant in the last year. I'm not sure whether I'm just being a hypochondriac or if I'm actually sick. If anyone could tell me if my symptoms sound like addison's or anything else, that would be very much appreciated.

My symptoms:
-spells of dizziness/visual blackouts/loss of balance, especially after standing up, which I've had for about 8 years now (I think this is postural hypotension?)
-periods of extreme tiredness, weakness, feeling shaky (a couple of times in the last month, I couldn't hold a pen properly to write in class, which is very frusterating, as a university student)
-blurry vision
-diarhhea, sometimes constipation
-loss of weight and appetite, but not extreme
-intense physical reactions to moderate stress (nausea, vomiting, fever, trouble breathing - one time also had a severe pain on the left side of my abdomen)
-anxiety attacks (which are very strange since I'm not at all prone to anxiety, and I wasn't worried about anything in particular at the time)
-tend to get sick often and recover slowly
-salt craving (also, sometimes sugar if I'm having a shaky spell)
-ringing in the ears
-low temperature, sensitivity to cold
-sometimes have extreme thirst, which drinking doesn't really help

It seems like a very long and random list! At first I thought it sounded like Addison's but I don't have the skin darkening, and that seems to be the classic symptom. Any opinions would be very welcome.

Julie

Thanks, Chris. I have an appointment with a GP on Friday, so I'll ask about it. I live in Canada, so seeing a GP is free, but I think an osteopath would cost money, and I'm pretty sure I'd need a referral to see an endocrinologist. I guess I'll see how it goes. With addison's, are the main symptoms (i.e. fatigue, weakness, etc.) normally constant? Mine tend to come and go - there are lots of days when I feel all right.

Julie

Hey Julie,
I posted on here for the first time earlier this week and can tell you my symptoms definitely come and go. I have what I refer to as "attacks" and they are pretty random, but usually associated with stress, fatigue, exercise and certain foods. They got so bad that I was having one MAJOR one and lots of minor ones every week, which was forcing me to miss work. I finally took a leave of absence and have had way less problems since I've been resting. Unfortunately, that means the tests aren't showing the problems anymore.

I completely understand you wondering if the symptoms are all in your head. The thing you have to remember is that the adrenal glands are associated with the "flight or fight" response, so any worrying and stress will engage the glands. I've already had one doctor tell me it was an anxiety disorder, which I completely disagreed with and we lost the patient-doctor trust over it. It's a frustrating process, but just remember, you are the only one who truly knows what you're experiencing.

I also live in Canada and would recommend you get a referral to an endocrinologist when you see your GP. I don't believe the osteo's here look at adrenal gland stuff. I'm currently in consultation with an endocrinologist and a surgeon (a CT scan showed I have an adrenal adenoma), so can completely relate to your experience!

Keep us posted on your progess (as well as set backs...you need support to keep on pushing through...).

ever had your blood sugar tested?

ever been tested for IBS --- you might want to go over to the irritable bowel board or and the bowel disorders ...... some ((not all)) the symptoms you describe follow this disorder.... hope you find some help and answers!

oh yea, and irritable bowel is brough on by stress anxiety .... sometimes called anxios stomache