Adrenal insufficiency

Hi,
After my takedown in October 2012 my GI found that I had an adrenal insufficiency. I'm in steroids for it, but I'm kinda confused by the whole thing. I understand it but I don't know what's next, if you know what i mean. I'm always stressed, it seems, and when I get off the steroids, I start having passing out episodes...
Would like to hear more too!

That's me. I get every cold known in a 100 mile radius. Kicks my butt. BP drops, dizzy, faint, steroid shot. Here we go again in 3 weeks. Thankful I have gone about 5 months with out a booster shot, but today's about 10 hours ago, don't seem to be helping. Ugh. Dehydrated, sick, sore hips, dizzy.

Hmm my BP has been low too, but like I Said, I don't know what the adrenal gland insufficiency will cause... I have severe pain in my sacrum, hips a lot. I get dehydrated easy, just like you.

What is going to happen because of this??

If this is a long term adrenal insufficiency issue (not just the temporary type that can last a few months when coming off long term steroids), then consistency is what you need. A consistent diet, portion control, and daily activity that is consistent. You also need to be followed by an endocrinologist who will monitor your cortisol levels to make sure you are in a "safe zone."

Low BP can be normal for many people, but for those with adrenal insufficiency, the bottom can fall out and that is what causes the dizziness and fainting that is associated with an acute attack. Taking oral steroids is not as good as your adrenals working properly, because your adrenals pump cortisol into your system instantly when needed. When you take oral steroids, it is the same every day. This is why you need consistency in your life, not a hectic merry-go-round, where you don't know what is going to happen next.

Jan

You are right on, my GI said I need to see an endocrinologist now, just as I saw one back in Oct 2012. I have mentioned before not having insurance, but my husband just excepted a good position with his job and we are waiting out the 3 month probation period and, fingers crossed, I will get insurance again!

Thanks Jan for your input

I have anitbodies to my adrenal gland (as well as thyroid and ovaries)I think she calls is secondary adrenal insufficiency. My endocrinologist monitors this very closely.

This process of antibodies began AFTER my j-pouch I take a variety of meds and have been taking CREON that seems to help quite a bit.

Hi, my name is Lucy it's not long I have joined the group I also have same issue which came after being in hospital for six months straight with the staff messing up on my does with steroids. Came out completely wiped out. Just breathing was an effort. Fortunately fell in the hands of an endicronolagist whom right away after looking at my medical history freaked out and could not understand that a patient is put on steroids on and off and no one looks to make sure that the adrenal glands are functioning properly! Just by my symptoms she knew I had to be on some form of cortisol. I passed simple blood tests that same day and buy the afternoon was told to start on the cortef 10mg am and 5mg@ 2pm
3weeks later she tested my cortisol level after 24hrs of not taking, They took a blood test before 8am and right after the injected me with the cortisol waited 1 hour and repeated the bloods. That explained that my adrenal glands were completely to the floor without the cortisol but with some help of the meds they kidded in she uped me to 20mg for a while and know back on 15mg. Let me tell you it made an extreme difference for me. Even though it didn't fix all my health issues it gave me back some energy. I'm at least capable to Get by my day. I was not only feeling completely exhausted but felt very depressed not willing to do anything. I think everyone who has been chronically ill for a while should be seen by an endicronolagist at some point our hormones play a big role in our health!! I got luck because I had been complaining for years telling them I felt really fatigued but they always said that it was normal due to the in determined colitis crohns. We as patients confide in the dr. That is treating us but if it's not in his league it passes right over There head..please ask push to see an endocrinologist. Best of luck