Here's a mnemonic to remember common symptoms of Addison's so that when you see them, you ACT NOW, and go to a doctor/ER immediately to get an ACTH test.
Anxiety (from low blood sugar)
Crave salt/Constipation (from low sodium)
Tanned and Tired
Nausea/vomiting
Orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness when you stand up)
Weight loss
Addison's is an endocrine disease of the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol to maintain blood sugar, or enough aldosterone to maintain sodium and potassium, these symptoms build until a trigger like a common cold or flu sends you over a cliff into an Addisonian Crisis that culminates into cardiovascular collapse, coma and death. We found Annie in bed one morning during an Addisonian Crisis and she was rescued somewhere between "coma" and "death." But it doesn't need to happen that way. Be alert and Act Now.
Jean
8 comments:
jean - you NEED to write. GOD will give you the strength and provision.
love,
your brother
Will He give me the time? Juuust kidding.
You ARE writing! How big would the book be if all of it were put together? :)
June's crisis (pre Dx) began as a cold, and she was lifeless within 24 hours. Then months later we were in ER again for a cold...then got our Dx. Not 'just a cold' anymore is it?
That is Great! Thanks Jean!
Hi Jean!
Couldn't agree more! We were so careful to watch for symptoms in our new baby. Unfortunately, she showed none. We just came home from the hospital Thursday with shocking news. Our 7 month old baby has Addison's too! We were stunned! We were all under the impression that Olivia developed Addison's...not that she was born with it! We now have two daughters with Addison's! =0 This was another too close call for us. After a seizure that lasted over 30 minutes, 20 of which she had to be bagged because she stopped breathing, and 4 days in ICU we are now home, trying to adjust to our new normal. They also discovered a mass on Kinsley's brain while checking for damage after her prolonged seizure and respiratory troubles. =( I could go on and on! But I'll spare the details. If you are interested, I've updated my blog with all the new developments. Just wanted to fill you in and see if you have ever heard of sisters having Addison's?
Hi Olivia & Kinsley's Mom:
Yes, I actually know of a mom who has girls who have had adrenal surgery, so are now Addisonians. It's not the same type as yours, but they are sisters!
What a stressful thing you guys are enduring. I will pray for you & your girls. I did look at your blog. The picture of Olivia & Kinsley is so sweet. :)
Take a look at the link I've just put up on Pediatric Adrenal Insufficiency. There is also a parent group on Facebook now--Parents of Children with Adrenal Insufficiency.
Oops--the facebook page is called "Parents of Adrenal Insufficient Children."
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