Adrenal insufficiency

[bowler]

Does anyone with this condition suffer with diarrhea

[humanbean]

According to this link it is a known symptom for people with adrenal insufficiency (AI).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adren...

Have you been diagnosed with AI? Who diagnosed it and what are you treated with?

[bowler in reply to humanbean]

Hello , I did know it was a symptom of adrenal insufficiency , but was interested to know if anyone has experienced it , [ it's only happened to me these past few months ] and what they do for it,

I was diagnosed many years ago and under the care of an Endo at Addenbrooks hospital, I take 20mgs of hydrocortisone spread over the day, I only see my Endo once a year,

[jade_s in reply to bowler]

Yes & for me it's a symptom of under replacement. I need the equivalent of 30 to 35 mg HC to survive. 20mg is the standard dose and it's enough to stay alive... but you might need more, as many do.

[bowler in reply to jade_s]

Thank you for your reply, I will get in touch with my clinic as I only see my Endo about once a year , has the higher dose stopped your diarrhea

[jade_s in reply to bowler]

Oh yes absolutely, immediately. I also get other symptoms with under replacement - shakey, very cold, muscles very weak, shakey vision. Worth noting down other symptoms too, if you have them. Diarrhea is pretty serious though so they need to get back to you ASAP, but in the meantime you could add a stress dose of 5mg sometime in the morning. You will very quickly know if it helps or not. And be mindful of situations & symptoms so that you don't go into crisis. I assume you know about that?

[bowler in reply to jade_s]

thank you so much for your reply and helpful info ,much appreciated I am aware of a crisis and carry an emergency kit. The Dr's at my surgery don't seem to have much idea with this disease,

[jade_s in reply to bowler]

Good you are prepared! No, not many doctors seem well versed on AI. And as most endos are mainly focused on diabetes, they're not very good with thyroid and adrenals.

There are supposed to be some good AI forums around. The one I am on is not very active. You could always start a new post and ask for recommendations, if you would find that helpful.

Good luck!

[bowler in reply to jade_s]

Thank you very much

[humanbean]

20mg sounds like a very low dose to me, for someone with AI. There is a Facebook group for people with AI in the UK, and I think (but am not positive) it is connected with the people who run this website :

pituitary.org.uk/support-fo...

and they even have telephone, text, and email helplines.

pituitary.org.uk/support-fo...

I can't give you a Facebook link, sorry. I don't have a Facebook account.

[bowler in reply to humanbean]

Sorry for late reply , but thank you for the link,