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Hi. I'm a 46 year old woman. In December of 2005, I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease (severe adrenal insufficiency). The disease is extremely rare and not well understood, but once I determined the correct dosages of steroids to take, I have done well. I take Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone in low replacement dosages.
About 3 weeks ago, I began feeling very, very fatigued and having occasional muscle and joint pain. I had my semi-annual appointment with my endocrinologist for the Addison's and I told her how I was feeling. She recommended taking more HC - I feel that would be masking the symptoms and potentially causing additional problems due to excess steroids.
She did have blood work done and called me earlier this week to tell me that I don't appear to have any new autoimmune problems. No RA, no lupus, etc. She did say that my iron was very low (again - had that problem last year, too) and that my seratonin level was at the very low end of the range. The range is 3-80 and mine is 11. So she said, "See you in 6 months. Take the iron supplements again."
I seem to be getting worse by the day, however. I'm having pain in my hands, feet, arms, legs, and occasionally, my back. I am very tired and nap as often as I can. I'm stiff and limp a bit when I get up after sitting for a while. I'm trying to get in to see a rheumatologist, but I'm still waiting.
In the meantime, I've been reading about RA on the web and have absolutely terrified myself. I am a police officer and must hold onto that position for another 8 and a half years or I lose my pension. I need my hands and feet to do my job. I live alone and that is my only source of income (and insurance). I don't have any family to help me.
I came across your website and thought I would put down some of my angst and maybe it would make me feel a bit better. I don't know for sure yet that I have RA or how bad it will be for me, so I'm trying to hold onto hope that I won't end up disabled, jobless, and homeless. Thanks for letting me vent my terror.
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