The Common Cold

Tags

Addison's Disease, Addisonian crisis, autoimmune, common cold, dehydration, ER, hydrocortisone, low sodium, nyquil, potassium, primary adrenal insuffiency, secondary adrenal innsuffiency, steroids

Why do they call it that?

This is day eight for me with a cold and all the symptoms that come along with it.  I am afraid that I will blow my brains out through my nose, or even worse, cough up a lung.  I’ve been treating my symptoms with DayQuil/Nyquil but I’m still miserable. 

So what can a body with autoimmune issues do?  Just like normal people, nothing really except treat the symptoms.

With Addison’s Disease something as common as the “Common Cold” can quickly lead you into the horrible world of the ER.  Because I take steroids everyday to treat my adrenal insufficiency, my body is less able to fight off infection.  With a fever or without enough fluids a body can quickly dehydrate, which has always been a big problem for me.  With the ”dehydration monsters” present you risk low potassium and low sodium, which can take me down the slippery road to an “Addisonian Crisis”.  A very unpleasant place to find yourself.

NASTY GERMS!

So, my advice to anyone visited by the common cold this winter is to

• Rest, rest, rest
• Drink Plenty of fluids
• Try to eat something
• Watch for a fever
• Take whatever OTC “symptom killer” that you think might help (I like  Nyquil, it helps me sleep)
• Wash your hands often to prevent spreading germs
• See your doctor if needed

and

If you have adrenal insuffiency increase your steroid dose as recommemded by your physician.

My doctor has advised me what to do when I am sick, and you must check with your own physician to get a recommendation for you.

Remember we are all different! 

I have secondary adrenal insufficiency, and individuals that are primary or with other adrenal issues MUST talk to their doctor about their own treatment.  I am not a Doctor.

 

I Give Up

Haven’t had a decent day since Christmas, and then yesterday I woke up with swollen glands, a sore throat and a stuffy head.  Still fell shitty today but no fever, and I don’t feel worse than yesterday so I will try and ride it out.  If I start running a temp or feel this move to my chest then I will go see my doctor.

I really thought that the cooler temperatures would bring me relief, and it has, but I am unrealistic in thinking that I would feel 100%.   My muscle discomfort has been increasing on some days, but I can certainly live with it.  It’s the Addison symptoms that are pulling me down.   

Next appontment with endo is at the beginning of March.  I will talk to her about vitamin B-12 levels and my enlarged red blood cells.  The possibility of Pernicious anemia is ever present because of my history of Addison’s, Crohn’s, bowel surgery and some of my meds. Autoimmune monsters working all the time, they need to take a vacation.  We believe that my Father had it, and that increases my chances.  A doctor at Univ of Chicago Hospital told me once that I didn’t have PA then, but I will get it eventually.  Way to make a patient feel better huh?  (You feel like shit now Lady…but it is gonna get way worse).

I want my neurologist to do some more testing to see if I really have a seizure disorder.  This was diagnosed only through an EEG, as I never had symptoms of recall having a seizure.  The diagnosis has always been a mystery to me, and I just want him to run some tests again.  I hate the medication…it is expensive and has too many side effects. 

At my last endo visit I talked to her about starting Armour instead of levothyroxine for my hypothyroid.  She was against it, but I will tell her I really want to experiment with it.  Everyone I know that has taken Armour…including my Hasimoto-Sister, says they feel much better when they are on it.  We shall see.

This was the second Christmas without my Mom.  Her empty chair at the dining room table seemed to affect us all.  One of my Sister’s friends told her that after the third Christmas it gets easier.  Hmmm.

My “so-called” resolutions for 2012 are to:

• Drink less Diet Pepsi, and more water.  Sounds easy enough. 
• Resolve the seizure and Pernicious Anemia questions
• Get some peace back in my life by resolving some family stuff
• Blog more (This is on every blogger’s list of resolutions)
• AND…rid my house, basement, garage, and storage locker of STUFF, JUNK and CRAP  *The men in  this house have a problem*

I am going to take a nap now.

• mo

Versatile Blogger Award

My blogger friend Dorky Deb   awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award.  In fact she nominated both of my blogs, Addison Girl and Mo is blogging…I think!

As recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award, you must tell 7 things about yourself that your readers might not know.  Then pass the award along to 5 other deserving bloggers.  For me that’s 14 things to list, and 10 fabulous bloggers to pass the award on to.  Whew!

Seven Things You Might Not Know About Me

• I am a horrible cook….ask my poor Hubby and kids
• I am a grown-up Flower Child who used to carry a guitar around wherever I went
• I was a Police/Fire Dispatcher in the 70′s and 80′s
• I hate Tequila
• I am lactose intolerant
• I hate show tunes – much to  my Sister’s chagrin
• I am scared of water, and yes I can swim

I will now pass this award on to five bloggers….and they are….

Picnic With Ants - Wendy writes this blog about her struggle with Meniere’s Disease.  I have such admiration for Wendy because this condition sounds horrific.  She recently had surgery and is keeping her readers informed of her progress.  She is also a talented artist and shares her works with her readers. 

Finding Lana - Lana is another “Addison Girl” and shares all the ups and downs of living with Addison’s Disease.  She is a brave woman who has survived some close calls with this disease.  Her lovely daughters and Husband are always at her side helping her through life.  She is an inspiration to me.

Simply Suzanna - Suzanna is a “Addison Girl” also and her blog always has a surprise waiting for you.  She loves fashion, cooking, decorating,  her dog and her new fiance!  Her colorful blog always puts me in a good mood!

SpicyT’s Blog – Tammy shares everything with her readers in a way that you just want to reach out and hug her.  Her recurring and endless health problems, thanks to a botched surgery, are difficult to read at times.  Knowing someone is in pain with no support from doctors is heartbreaking.  But, Tammy has a great sense of humor too and will keep you entertained!

My CFS Life - This wonderful Lady who pens under the name “Hidden Lives” is a talented and spiritual writer.  I look forward to her posts and she always has a message or lesson to share with her readers.  Her poems and writing transport you to exactly where she is, whether it is her yard or pond on her magnificent property.  Her stories of her faith are always a great read.

 

If you would like to pass your award along and participate in the Versatile Blogger Award, just tell us about yourself and let us know about five of your favorite blogs.  If not, that’s OK too. 

P.S.  These blogs are just a few of my favorites, there are so many that I had a hard time choosing.  I have recently found some new blogs (new to me at least) that I would love to share with everyone.  That will be coming soon. 

Happy Holidays to Everyone and A Blessed Christmas!

 

 

Overdid it Again!

Yesterday I felt strong enough to go do some returns at the mall.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stores weren’t crowded and the parking lot had close spaces open and waiting for me.  Score.

As long as I was in the store I thought I would search for a pair of dress pants for a party coming up this weekend.  Nothing.  Went to another large department store….nothing there either.  Seems to me if you need a Petite size (translated…short) you are out of luck.  If you go to the regular petite section, you have to be a size ten or smaller.  If you go to the women’s petite section, manufacturers think you are at least five foot six.  I an stuck in the middle…five foot nothing and needing a 14 or 16 woman’s petite.  I will try Lane Bryant but I rarely find anything there either.  Clothes designers need to understand that every “Plus size” woman is not tall.

Back to what I was going to talk about in the first place…overdoing it.

Today I feel like a wet rag…. jello legs, hands hurt, arms ache and feet throbbing.  I took Tylenol for the aches, and 2.5mg of Cortef, to combat the fatigue,  which I don’t think helped at all.  I think rest is the only thing that will help me today. 

What do you do when you way overdo it?  Can you push through it, or do you need a day or two to recover?  “The Help” is on cable…I will be on the couch watching it tonight with a pillow and blanket.

 

 

Steroids – A Love-Hate Relationship

Steroids…You can’t live with them….You can’t live without them.

I am on daily steroid therapy for the rest of my life for Addison’s Disease.  I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease (secondary adrenal insufficiency)  and hypo-pituitary in 2001, and still struggle with the changing needs of my body’s need for medication.  A short explanation: My pituitary gland,  doesn’t produce the hormones needed for the body to function properly.  The most important hormone is ACTH, which stimulates the adrenals to produce cortisol, which is essential for life. 

Helping your body cope with the absence of cortisol can only be accomplished by trying to mimic the missing hormone.  That means steroids.  The medication used most often is Cortef, which I take daily.

The side effects of taking steroids are extensive, and you need to monitored by your physician on a regular basis. Without a correct diagnosis and proper medications, adrenal disease could be fatal.  Luckily I was diagnosed early and started on meds promptly. 

Ahhhh…steroids.  They make you hungry, they cause insomnia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness blah blah blah and they make you fat!

Can’t live with ‘em…can’t live without ‘em

http://youtu.be/Q1PVrVJQoU8

Good Doctors

After ten years with Addison’s Disease, and twenty six years with Crohn’s I know I am very lucky to have a team of fabulous doctors. 

My endocrinologist understands my Addison’s and also treats my hypothyroidism.  She listens and does research keeping up with new medications or treatments that might help me.  I really can’t complain about her.

My Internist handles all the odds and ends, blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, depression and anxiety.  He never rolls his eyes at me and he tells me I am one of his “Tough Broads”.  I cannot complain about him either.

My Gastro Guy is a gem.  Not only is he good-looking, but has helped me through many pretty bad G.I. episodes.  I could never complain about this Dr. McDreamy

My surgeon is very serious stern look about him, but has a wonderful sense of humor.  Note:  It hurts to laugh after major abdominal surgery.  I could never complain about this Dr. Funny Man.

My neurologist makes his patients wait forever in his waiting room, but he is totally worth it.  He is the guy who diagnosed my seizure disorder.  His office is a long drive, but I wouldn’t go to anyone else.  No complaints here.

I am aware that most people cannot find a doctor, let alone a team of doctors that work together as well as mine do.  Plus, they all know each other which works out really well.  I’m very lucky.

 

Surgery when you have Addison’s Disease

If you are faced with an upcoming surgery you must be prepared.  I had a bowel-resection in 2006, and was very nervous about it.

Even though my Internist and my Endocrinologist knew I was having surgery and were aware of complications that could arise during the procedure, I had to make sure that the Surgeon and anesthesiologist knew about my Addison’s Disease.  I talked to my Surgeon at length explaining what my needs were as far as steroids to be administered, how much and when.  He was quite patient with me, knowing how nervous petrified I was.

Before surgery I asked to talk to the anesthesiologist who would be working with my surgeon, she came to my room and talked to me and explained her procedures.  She administered solu-cortef before the surgery started, and then a continuous supply during the four-hour surgery.  Afterwards, during my hospital recovery I was given Solu-Cortef via IV until discharge.  At home I did a slow taper for about a week.  Without complications or post-surgery infections I recovered quickly and completely.

Don’t assume that all the doctors and nurses understand your Addison’s Disease.  I have encountered medical professionals that know little or nothing about my disease.  Don’t feel embarrassed to talk to everyone involved in your care.  Better to talk about  your needs sooner than later.

Fighting Fatigue

Yesterday I decided to go to the grocery store by myself.  Stupid idea.  Stupid stupid idea.  After about fifteen minutes I knew I was in trouble, so I finished what I could, had a kid help me put it in the car and drove home exhausted. 

The Joe-Man was home when I got there so he carried everything in and put it away.  I could have never done it myself. 

Why don’t I learn?  Why did I think I could shop on my own?  Today I am paying for it big time.

Fatigue and weakness is a problem for so many of us with chronic conditions.  Sleep and rest are the only thing we can do until we feel better.  For me, sometimes it takes a few day to pull myself out of the funk I have caused myself. 

And the there is the fatigue that you can’t explain.  Even when you don’t do anything to cause the spiral downwards…it will still show up with no warning.  Stress will throw me into a tailspin, so will the heat.  Because of my G.I. problems, a day spent in the bathroom knocks me out for days.  Unexpected stress, a bad bathroom bout or a night with no sleep can guarantee you a day on the couch or in bed.   

Trying to pace yourself, and listening to your body (and that little voice in your head) can do a lot in preventing a fatigue fallout.

I know I will walk hand-in-hand with fatigue for the rest of my life.  There’s nothing I can do about it.  Except…take a nap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIENus8bJlY

Thanks

Just wanted to thank all of my long time followers, and say Welcome to the new bloggers I have found through NaBoPloMo and Chronic Babe.  All of your comments mean a lot to me, and I appreciate the time you take to read and respond.

This is an open blog, it can be found through search engines.  I cannot block anyone,  I can only delete/spam comments. 

None of my blogs are about any specific group or individual.  I occasionally write about my Mom, my kids or my husband or friends.   I will never, nor have I written about someone else’s blog or life without identifying them.

Just wanted to clear that up. 

mo

Judgement Day

Tags

Addison's Disease, blindness, body peircings, Cerebral Palsy, Crohn's Disease, deafness, dyslexia, Full sleeve tattoos, pink hair, Salvation Army clothes, Tattoos, wheelchair

Judge not, lest you be judged

I have a friend that has cerebral Palsy.  He is in a wheelchair, and he is hard to understand.  He sells newspapers at my church.  Many people just put the money on the table and take their paper.  No eye contact, no greeting. 

I have a nephew that has tattoos.  A bunch of tattoos, both arms.  They call them “full sleeve”.  He has some on his neck and on his legs.  He also has some piercings on his face.  He hides them by wearing long sleeves at family gatherings, because some people don’t like them.    You would be surprised at what he does for a living, and how tender he is with his nieces and nephews.

I know a girl who  used to dress with clothes from Salvation Army.  The wilder the more outrageous  the better for her.  Sometimes her hair was pink, other times blue.  She had piercings on her face, and enough holes in her ears to wear dozens of earrings.  I love her.

I have a friend who is a priest.  He is funny.  He doesn’t preach.  He has come to parties at my house, and people thought he was just a family friend.  He drinks beer, has gone camping and hiking with my husband all over the country.  He is the best friend my Husband has ever had.

I know a young man who is deaf.  He reads lips, and speaks quite clearly unless he tries to talk too fast.  I have seen people avoid his gaze and walk away because they don’t want to bother taking the time to have a conversation with him.

I know a woman who is blind.  Her kids went to school with my kids.  Other Mom’s would walk right past her, maybe they were put off by her gaze because she didn’t wear sunglasses.  I see her every so often, and I always stop and talk to her.  She is a wonderful Mom and woman. 

I know a young man who is severely dyslexic.  His whole life people have assumed that he was “dumb” because he had such a hard time in school.  You would be surprised at his IQ.

I know a woman who is sick.  She has a disease that no one has heard of.  They look it up on the internet and think….well, it’s not fatal if she takes care of herself.  People cannot understand how she could be so sick for so long.  People don’t understand that  there are “lifelong” conditions.  That they will never go away. 

“Normals”  don’t want to hear or think about sick people, or people who are different.  I guess it is easier to ignore people than try to understand them.  

Don’t turn your head, don’t walk the other way.  Do not judge.