I'm a newly diagnosed to Addison's within the last month. I'm on 25 milligrams of hydrocortisone a day, and I just started on the florinef (half tablet a day) a week ago. So far no side effects, within the last couple of days though I have noticed my energy level declining. I was doing real good early on and now I seem to be more tired again. Is that normal? Do I need a larger dose? I am a thin person anyway, and the doc told me that they adjust meds according to size of person and so on. I know that having this disease is very managable, but just the fact knowing what it is all about was a bit overwhelming. Any info would be helpful for support groups or whatever. Thanks

Please tell us how you split your 25mg & what times of day you take each dose. Has your thyroid been checked?

I recall having a big lift in the beginning & being disappointed that it didn't last.

Wanda

I take 15 mg in the morning, usually around 8:00 and 10 mg around 5:00. Yes I am also hypothyroid, taking 50 micrograms of levythyroxin usually at 6:00 am. I was battling the thyroid before they found the Addison's, at one point my TSH was 67!! I had all the symptoms for Addison's- weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle aches, weakness, severe fatigue and hyperpigmentation of skin. I'm really trying to do alot of reading and finding out about this new condition I'm told I have. Thanks for your help.

You might try taking 15mg am, 5mg at noon & 5mg at 5pm. We need less at night & more during the day. You could also try taking 5 of the 15mg earlier if you are awake. I keep 5mg & a glass of water by my bed for my 6am dose. A normal person starts making cortisol aroung 3am. Some of us feel getting a bit of hydrocortisone earlier makes a difference in how we feel all day.

Has your thyroid been checked lately? Perhaps your TSH is high. It should be below 2. Get a copy of all lab work so you can look at it yourself & keep a file at home. Doctors are often happy with results that we should not settle for.

Wanda

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am scheduled to have my thyroid rechecked in a couple weeks and then see the doc after that, so I guess I can discuss the issue with her. I appreciate the help, sometimes the information that you receive from people that are experiencing the same thing is more valuable than what the doctors can give you. Can you start taking your morning dose with other meds, I take my synthroid as soon as I get up. I thought that the synthroid had to be taken alone. I appreciate the replies, thanks.

Happy to hear you are having your thyroid checked soon. Remember the doc will not care if the TSH is above 2. It will be up to you to ask for an increase to bring it down.

I try to take my thyroid an hour apart from other meds. I take it most mornings about 5am (still in bed) & first hydrocortisone about 6am. If I don't wake until 6:30 or so I take it together. I have a tiny dish with a separation in the middle. Thyroid on one side & HC on the other. The shape of the pills are different so it is easy even in the dark!!!

You will learn much more from the people on the forums than from your doctors. Try to find as many forums as you can & ask questions if you have concerns.

Let us know what your TSH is.

Wanda

Thanks, I will do that. I have been searching for other forums but have not found any, could you give me some ideas? These boards are great sources of information.