 |  | | Helen Christie — Niagara Falls, ON |
| | | In the fall of 1968, I became very ill. I had 3 young children to look after, 7, 4 and 18 months.
I had to have my Mom come and look after them when my husband was at work. Every morning I was very sick to my stomach and extremely weak. I had trouble getting up and down stairs in my home, I also experienced great weight loss. Our Doctor finally admitted me to hospital; they thought I might have had a breakdown. While in hospital they discovered that my electrolytes were very low. They finally figured out why I would eat a whole lemon and jars of homemade pickles at home, my body needed salt.
When I had been in hospital about a week, my Doctor (who was also my friend) came into my room and said he thought he had found out what the problem was and after consulting with my internist, said I had Addison's Disease. He started up the IV with the proper medication and within a few days I was feeling alot better.
When I got home, my family was very happy. The diagnosis was confirmed with Dr. Volpe, a great endocrinoligist in Toronto, who also found I had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I take 25mg of cortisone in the am and 12 1/2 mg at night. I take 1/2 of 0.1mg of Florinef and .05mg of synthroid. As I had a mild heart attack in 1996, and take 40mg of Lovastin and 50mg acebutolol.
I decided to write this personal experience because so many people seem to be having such problems. (I realize that everyone is different). I remember Dr. Volpe saying to me that if you are going to have any disease, it is better to have Addison's than to be a diabetic, as Addison's does not get worse with age.
I know nothing about the "kits" people talk about. I feel very fortunate as I feel quite well, although I do watch that I don't get overtired. I have developed Macular degeneration in the last few years and have had 5 treatments on one eye that went wet, but am able to see.....Thank God. My husband and I have travelled extensively for many years, our last trip being to China and Hong Kong to celebrate our 50th anniversary last September. I have never had any trouble while travelling. I also have osteoarthritis. My meds have stayed the same since the beginning. I live a very busy productive life. I feel very fortunate to have a good family Doctor and good endocrinologist. These things are very important.
REMEMBER.....ADDISON'S IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE
| | | Return to List of Personal Experiences... |
| |  |
|
|
|
