The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually begin gradually. The most common symptoms are
- chronic, worsening fatigue
- muscle weakness
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
Other symptoms can include
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting
- irritability and depression
- a craving for salty foods due to salt loss
- hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose
- headache
- sweating
- in women, irregular or absent menstrual periods
I was beginning to wonder if it was in my head and many things I wrote off to a flu bug, or IBS, or going back to work and having difficulty sleeping.
Apparently, my cortisol study results from the hospital last week indicate that my cortisone levels are low. This indicates that my adrenal gland is not doing its job sufficiently and who knew all that could happen because of that little gland.
I also learned that my Great Aunt had Addison's disease which is caused by chronically lower cortisone levels. An Addison's crisis can be fatal so it's not something to be untreated.
I began Prednisone yesterday - two little pills a day that no matter how fast you try to swallow them, leave an after taste that is horrid. I'm not thrilled about taking a steroid but am told I won't bulk up or sprout facial hair, but I may gain weight. Joy! I hadn't lost as much as I would have liked from this low cortisone stuff, so, not thrilled about that!
I follow up with an endocrinologist in a couple weeks when they had an appointment for me. Hopefully, this isn't a life long, medical alert bracelet kind of thing mentioned in the information I read on line: http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.aspx#special
I've been told by 6 different medical doctors and personnel that I should not be fasting. Apparently the stress it causes my body is too much for it. The natural man in me is thrilled, but the spiritual one is sad. A friend recommended just sacrificing something I would normally eat - maybe just eating fruits and vegetables on Fast Sundays or to fast for personal religious reasons. I think that is a good answer.
You hear over the years about getting older and the health issues, but it's still hard to deal with. Apparently kids have this little problem as well - so I guess I should be grateful that it has taken this long in my life before it was bad enough that I had to do something to treat it. It honestly could explain all my fainting and dizzy spells over the years, intestinal stuff I've been dealing with and written off as IBS, lower blood pressure.
That's it for my ramblings today!
Valerie
Valerie, I had this, too. I couldn't fast. I say "had" because I haven't been tested in many years. I also "had" hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia and lupus. Not until I got a divorce did all my problems clear up. I can now fast on Fast Sunday. You've been through a lot in your young life. Your psyche has taken a burden. You will heal. Knowledge is power.
ReplyDeleteWhen I couldn't fast, I did what your friend suggested. Instead of a meal, I just had some bread or something filling that would be bulky to get me through, like plain cereal and milk--no frills. I carried peanut butter crackers with me, and lemond drops, in case my sugar went down. It will be your own special type of fast. But, if you feel weak, eat. H.F. knows what your problems are. He also knows your desires. He knows you have to keep up your strength for your family.
I will add you to my prayer list, friend. Do what you have to do.