Although I had many of the symptoms of Addison’s disease, I had reasoned them away:

1. My weight had dropped from 46kgs to 43kgs but was always fluctuating
2. The fact I was often in tears I put down to grief over my mother who had recently died.
3. My dark skin was caused by all the days I spent in the sun in my younger years
4. The weakness and loss of muscle tone was because I didn’t go to the gym any more.
5. The fact that my periods were virtually non existent was one of those things that came with age.
6. Dizziness and feeling faint I put down to low sugar because I’d eat and feel better.
7. Lying down at every opportunity was because I worked night shifts and didn’t get enough sleep.
8. The dry reaching had been occurring for years so I just thought it was my make up.

I was one who never went to doctors and when I did I never told them what was wrong with me! So I never mentioned any of these symptoms to my G.P.

I battled on working shift work, mainly nights in the hospitality industry. Many people would comment. " Are you heavy into exercise? You are much thinner from the last time I saw you." A local aboriginal once held my hand and compared his colour to mine. Yes he still calls me his sister! I was living on salads soaked in Balmaric vinegar, Chinese food and tomato soup. By May 1996 my weight had dropped to 41kgs, but I still did not act until a friend said, "I know you have had tests done but your skin is really orange." The next day I went back to the same G.P. and this time I told him I was weaker and thinner and he said, " And you are darker". He flicked a few pages in his medical book and said, "Addison’s Disease". He sent me for the necessary tests and I went to Sydney to see an Endocrinologist who commenced me on Pednisolone 5mgs in the morning and 2mgs in the evening and ½ a Florinef tablet a day. My health did not improve, I was still teary, bruised easily, still tired, very vague and still looking for vinegar but my colour did fade. I lasted on Prednisolone for 4 months then my G.P. changed me over to Hysone at the equivalent dose of 20mgs in the morning and 10mgs in the evening. I didn’t feel so teary, my appetite improved, my head was a lot clearer and I generally felt much better.

In November 1996 my hair started falling out by the handful. I did have really thick curly hair. My endocrinologist didn’t have an answer but felt it was unrelated to Addison’s disease and suggested I had my Cortisol levels checked. The results were extremely high so I have gradually cut my medication down. I am now on 24mgs Hysone daily (18mgs a.m. and 6mgs p.m.) My hair problem continued so I went to a Trichology Centre in Sydney and with permission from my endocrinologist I take Dong Quai. Now my hair is back to it’s lustrous and thick self. I still take Dong Quai which is available on a doctor’s prescription. You can get it from health shops but I have found the health shop variety does not work.

I have many more good days than bad. I have continued to work in club bar work 15-40 hours a week but have changed to day work. I find if I keep to a routine I cope much better. I maintain a weight of 43kgs. The only problem I haven’t been able to solve is I have a day when I cry uncontrollable. I have these days every 3 to 6 months apart. Does any other members have any suggestions about this?

My G.P. is very understanding but confesses he knows nothing about Addison’s disease! I learnt about the Addison’s Support Group by radio the same week I was diagnosed. What a relief to know I wasn’t alone. The group is a wonderful source of help and support for me.