Lupus and Addison Disease

[Caroleborrmann]

I have had Lupus for the past 6 years, have any of the Lupus patients been diagnosed with Addison disease also.

If so, could you fill me in on the effects Addison along with Lupus? Have to see Endocrinologist and Neurologist ASAP.

Thank you for any info you may have for me til I get my appointments.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Caroleborrmann,

The following information has been taken from The Lupus Encyclopedia which I hope you will find helpful;

"Today the most common cause of Addison's disease is autoimmune in nature, where the immune system destroys the adrenal glands. Another reason for the adrenal glands to stop working is due to the use of steroids. However, this form of adrenal insufficiency is not called Addison's disease since the steroids do not actually destroy the adrenal glands".

"Adrenal insufficiency is an important concept for anyone who takes steroids (such as prednisone and methylprednisolone) to understand. It is the very reason that doctors tell their patients not to lower the does of their steroids too quickly or to stop taking steroids abruptly". Stress is can exuberate this further therefore, it is important to maintain low-stress levels. (read our blog article on stress management and relaxation here - lupusuk.org.uk/stress-manag...

Symptoms suggesting adrenal insufficiency due to steroid withdrawal include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, light-headedness, depression, longer recovery from mild infections such as colds.

Please let us know how you get on at your upcoming appointments, best wishes!

[Caroleborrmann in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you so much for the info! I did see my Rheumy yesterday and she explained that because I had been on Prednisone for so many years that the milder Fludrocortisone is fine to take til I get to see my Endocrinologist in a few weeks. Your info and my Rheumatologist really put my mind at ease. My Lupus is is doing ok & actually the Fludrocortisone has helped me to feel much better; I just couldn’t understand why it took 18 months to get off the Prednisone and then be put on another steroid (but dr. Said it is different from the Prednisone).

So I appreciate you have been very helpful in easing my mind. Please have a good day😊