Life With Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency

I was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency back in March of 2015. It has almost been 3 years now.

It was a very scary time for me. My husband had cancer and was spending a lot of time in the hospital; away from me (long story .... here). He had gone in for treatment and I got sick. Now let me mention here that I hardly ever get sick, so at first, I blew off this sickness as just a stomach bug that would run its course. Well,,,, it never did run its course. I was still sick and couldn't keep anything down (at all) when Tim got home from his chemo stay. I went to the hospital that weekend.

After running some tests, I found out that my sodium levels had tanked. They were 112 and they should run 136. So I was put into a step down room from ICU to make sure that I didn't have a seizure. I eventually found out that I had secondary adrenal insufficiency, was put on steroids and monitored for five days. Once my sodium levels came back up, I was sent home.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency means that my pituitary gland is not functioning properly and that has shut down my adrenal glands.  I have found out that I have a tumor on my pituitary gland that is throwing everything else out of whack. My body doesn't produce cortisol like it should, so I have to take steroids just to be able to function. I also have to take extra steroids from time to time when I get overly stressed.

I felt lead to share this with you today. Maybe it will help you to know me a little better.

Here is a verse that brings me comfort:

Psalm 63:8

I cling to You, and Your hand keeps me safe.

Prayer:

Dear Father,

Thank You for all that You have done for me. In times when I am overwhelmed and stressed, I know that I can cling to You and that Your hand will keep me safe. Thank You for always being there. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For more info about secondary adrenal insufficiency , check out the following link:

National Adrenal Diseases Foundation