I have had several adrenal fatigue (crises) spells, which were recently diagnosed with autonomic nervous system imbalance, an imbalance in my adrenal hormones "fight or flight" response. I just went through a "spell" in April and was diagnosed with synacope due to the hormonal imbalance. I went through many tests to determine the diagnosis. If you are panhypopit or dependent on steroids, you should have emergency solu-cortef with you at all times. Ask your doctor about it if he has not already prescribed it. Solu-cortef is very important to have in case of illness, accident, or extreme stress. If your adrenal hormones bottom out, you can go into adrenal crisis, which can be fatal. Emergency solu-cortef is usually injected, though you should also have oral solu-cortef on hand for illness-cold, flu, etc. You should always go to the hospital in adrenal crises and always wear something to identify that you are panhypopit and need steroid replacement. This is very important because the medics and ER docs need to know this so they can give you replacement steroids. You may also want to carry a letter with you from your doctor stating you need replacement steroids, considering your situation. I know the spells are not any fun-I usually sleep for days, I am so weak and exhausted. I have had several things set mine off-running down 11 stories because of a fire alarm, my sister's wedding (ha-ha), seeing a dog get hit by a car, doing too much out in the sun, etc. My most recent was very unexpected while I was grading papers at work-my cardiologist thinks something set me off internally-I had no stress other than grading papers! You should always be prepared in case of an emergency. I have never had any life-threatening episodes, but I have lost consciousness and stay very very ill for days. My symptoms include extreme weakness, fatigue, dizziness, migraine, chills, hot flashes, nausea, uncontrollable shaking, body aches, low pulse (30s), vomitting, racing pulse, very disoriented, passing out, etc. I feel awful and it comes on very suddenly. Some information: It is very important to have emergency steroid replacement. Talk to your doctor about it. Take care. Meri |
