in the hospital, my sodium was going down drastically. By the time my specialist found out that I got Addison's, he said I only had a few days of life left in me.
Since I got better, I feel like I'm going to leave the world young (I'm 22), I lost my way in life. Sometimes I feel that I should have left this world back in the hospital. I can't find my way anymore.
Anyone similar to this? I just want to know if others feel like this because of Addison's

What meds are you on? I know when I get very sick, I get brain fog & have a very hard time thinking. But I never want to die.

Hope you are ok, Kc

Hi Mel
I endured a similar crisis before I was diagnosed, and truly thought I was going to die. You have to remember what a tremendous toll this illness took on your body before you were diagnosed. When I complained of not feeling the same, some people said it takes a year for your body to recover from being so sick, and I believe it. There were many times that I wished I had just died and gotten it over with. I am now almost 5 years out from diagnosis, and I am starting to get my life back, although I don't suppose it will ever be the same. Might I suggest a few things? First of all, keep a journal and write down your feelings. When I look back on my journal, I can see how far I have come. Also, consider seeing a counselor or psychiatrist. I went into a deep depression after being sick, and my psych brought me out of it. Be as patient as you can, and the improvement and direction will come. Meanwhile, try to do one thing every day if you can; something as simple as make the bed or go to the grocery store. (Taking a shower used to be a HUGE deal for me, as I was so weak, but now I do much better.) Good luck to you. I have been where you are now, and I know how discouraging it is.

Don't let that little failed gland kick your backside. I have primary adrenal insufficiency and was borderline crisis myself. You can get better, but you need proper medication and management. Depression after all you have been through is natural. PLEASE do not give up and talk with us and your loved ones. Go back to the MD and tell them things still are not right. Get involved in your care. Also make sure they check out your thyroid.. just incase. It may be more than Addison's. Make sure they also test your B12, vit D, ferritin and Mg. When glands go our body chemistry balance goes with it. I am truly hoping things pick up quickly now that your problem is know and they can treat it.

Until you tackle the whole picture things will feel off. So get as thorough a picture of your current endocrine health as possible. You have to try and think positive. It is so hard I know. I made a vacation list and task list. Where I want to go and what i want to do with my son. Make a list of goals anything to focus on a strive for! Think positive and to future things that you want to do.. and work toward doing them. Find your niche and what works for you. Please do not give up.

YES I have felt horrid and I have felt numb. I think when I didn't feel things were the worse. i was so detached and apart from my family and life.. well it is what you are feeling right now. There have been times where I wished I could crawl in a hole and pull a rock over my head. It was these boards that gave me an out let to climb back out of that hole. I have a wonderful 5 year old boy and a husband that need ME. I have family that needs me as well. It was the support of the the boards here and my family that got me through my rough spots. I hope that we can help you too.

Sincerely,
MG

I agree, we've all felt the way you are feeling at times. In fact, I just got out of the hospital a couple weeks ago, 2nd time in four months from going into adrenal crisis from getting the stomach flu. The first time it happened I didn't recognize the adrenal crisis and almost waited too long to get to the hospital. The ER doc told me I almost made a fatal mistake. It's a very scary ordeal to go through. I finally broke down and ordered a medical alert bracelet today as I told my DH I'm taking a chance everytime I leave my house alone.

I also agree with getting your thyroid checked. They go hand in hand much of the time. For me, three years of untreated thyroid, not my fault, stupid doctors fault, and working a very physical job lead to the Addisons.

I've been sick for six years and haven't been able to work in four years and I've really just recently came to terms with my life and how it will be. I've accepted that I will like as not never be able to hold down a full time job again, I'll never have the stamina and go like the energizer bunny like I did for 46 years before my crash, but I'm not bedridden anymore and can function well enough to enjoy the rest of my life with acceptance.

You have youth on your side so I think you will do just fine given some more time. Do check your thyroid though, if it's low will definitely cause depression that you will not pull up from without treatment.

Best Wishes:)

Deb

deb, I'm glad to hear that you are getting the bracelet. it's such a great safety feature in case anything happens.

Thanks all of you for the responses, it made be feel better about the situation. I've been writing thoughts and key moments in my life down.
I decided to move out east until Christmas, i know i need a change of pace.

to reply to kc lady, i'm on 25mg of cortisone, .137 for hydrothyoid (or something like that) then florinef, forget the dose

I agree with everything that was said. Until this hit me I was outgoing still working & raising my grandson. I changed completely, doubted myself with everything, depressed started to become a hermit just wanted to stay in the house where it's safe. I don't want to do anything, no sex, no cleaning everythings a big effort. I have looked at jobs P/T & then just say forget it I won't be able to do it. I just felt like I lost myself. Now that I know what is wrong though I have hope & will do anything to fell like my old self again. I'm so happy I found a good Dr (a chiropractic physician) who DX it & knows all about it. Non of the tons of Dr's I went to ever even mentioned it, they would only say some kind of bacteria but never sd what. I had a bad respiratory infec & one of lymph nodes were swollen. I will fight this & win as all of us should!

Hi,

I have Addison's Disease, and have had it for 21yrs, I'm 33yrs old now. I also have hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, nail dystrophy, enamel dysplasia and I have just been diagnosed as becoming diabetic.

I have been at death's doors many a time, I must have experienced 15 or so Adrenal Crisis' and the worst one was when I had the IV injection and it wasn't enough and so I ended up having two.

When I was younger I used to think 'why me' and that life wasn't fair however I changed my way of thinking to accepting things. If you dwell on things and spend time thinking about your situation you just feel worse.

I adopted an attitude where I know there are people far worse off than me and so I'm grateful to be alive and I live each day to the full. I work full time for an airline as my illness does not stop me from working and I have two lovely children, 11yrs and 4yrs. My partner died last year and so I also have a mortgage to pay for and make the very most of each day.

I value my weekends with my children and so we go swimming, cycling, bowling etc.

I initially had hypoarathyroidism and remained in hospital practically for 2 years. I then got Addison's disease and alike you this was not diagnosed until very late and so I was critical. My thyroid was undiagnosed for 1year.

It has been hard at times but I just get on with things and am grateful that I do not have a terminal illness and can lead a normal life.

I'm sorry that you went thru so much & think it is wonderful that you have such a great positive attitude, that is the way it should be. I used to be like that yrs ago & got thru alot with a maniac abusive husband who did a job on me & 2 kids. I took care of my mom w/demitia who lived w/me & raised my grandson who almost died taking care of him too, at that time my daughter was a crack addict & I also ran to prisons alot, my other daughter has MS.. I seemed to just do it all & accept it ok. This time it was different, it was like I just changed going thru this, I wonder if it's because I will be 68 this yr & just burned out. I still try to get thru everything & be positive but it's harder now. I don't seem to have the energy I had in my 30's & 40's, wish I did.

Hi,

It may be because you are older that you have less energy. I have found that I have more energy now and keeping busy is what keeps me motivated and going. I've got used to a fast pace of life so much so that when I am on annual leave from work I'm bored unless I fill my time up.

I must admit, my mum is a great help as she minds my children (picks them up from school etc.) whilst I'm at work.

I have a friend in New Zealand who has the same condition as me and she is alot older and does experience periods of tiredness however she has started to gradually do light excercise and do more things during the day to keep her mind active and although hard at first it has helped.

I was exactly like you just kept going & felt bored if I wasn't. I also had my Mom help out alot when they were young & I was divorced, she was a big help. I do keep busy with my mind alot of researching, reading etc. Go to Chiro for bad back who helps alot. I still want to do alot & it makes me depressed when I can't. Thanks for writing, you're doing good.

Hi,

Could I ask at what age were you diagnosed with Addison's Disease and what dosage of hydrocortisone are you taking out of curiosity?

I have had an adrenal crisis two times (once in Aug. and once in Dec.) and two surgeries. The doctors think I have secondary adrenal insufficiency, so they think I will get better, but I will never be like I used to. I haven't been able to work since then. I am now able to do some laps in the pool, but I still can't walk around a lot because I get weak and dizzy. When I get the "adrenal" feelings I get tired, nauseous, and my body hurts. Will I ever be able to work as a teacher again?