It was around 2000-2001 when I started feeling bad just about all the time -- headaches, nausea, vomiting every morning, daily diarrhea, sleepless nights, no appetite, craving salt, loosing weight, weakness, moody, trouble concentrating, dark circles under my eyes. Missed allot of work.
I went to American Family Care numerous times only to be told I had a sinus infection.
Eventually my husband started taking me to the ER on a regular basis because I was feeling so bad. The ER would tell me I was dehydrated, give me fluids, and send me home.
In November 2005 I weighed 148; Summer 2006 I weighed about 130; December 2006 I weighed 122; March 12, 2007 I weighed 108, just two days later on March 14 I weighed 104.
One of my friends is a nurse and she began to really worry about me. So she made me an appointment with one of her doctors. My first visit with him was on March 12, 2007. As soon as he saw me and we started talking about my health problems he said "I feel confident that you have Addison's". After my exam with him, he wanted me to return to the lab on March 14 for further blood work. When I arrived at the lab I got so sick that they sent me straight to his office; they could not get my blood pressure to register and I was throwing up constantly. I was immediately admitted to the hospital where I spent three days having blood work, EKG, EEG, MRI/CT scan, X-rays; you name it, I went through it.
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADDISON'S DISEASE. I was in Addison's Crisis.
- I take Prednisone & Fludrocortisone every morning. I also take Protonix as a ulser preventative because I take steriods. Today I weigh 179; from taking steriods, more weight than I am comfortable with.
In June 2009 I was diagnosed with GRAVE'S DISEASE. We are in the process of deciding how to treat me. But at this time my muscles are so weak; my lower back hurts, my hips hurt, my upper legs hurt: when I sit for a long time I can hardly walk when I get up; if I stand or walk for a long time I get so weak I feel like I am going to fall out.
- I am currently taking a mild muscle relaxer for my back, hips, and legs, along with an anti-inflammatory.
Not only is my health issues affecting my daily life but it also affects my family life. My famlily is very supportive of me and takes excellent care of me on my "bad days".
I am also suffering from depression at this point in my life. Some days I do not even feel like getting out of bed.
- I am currently taking an anti-depressant.
I do have some good days; but very seldom do I have a day without being tired, having diarrhea; and recently I do not have a day that my muscles do not hurt.

I just wanted to share my experience with you and I would like to hear how you are doing.....