25th July 2007
Hello!
I have no adrenal glands at all. I had them both removed in March 2006. I know of many that live without adrenal glands. I had mine removed as I had a pituitary tumor and had surgery. Tumor grew back and was dectectible via labs but not on the scans so decided my best option was to remove the adrenals.
Basically you have to take your hydorcortisone daily or whatever your endo gives you but most take cortef as it is most like your body produces. Most take florinef in various doses. Some of us take half a pill - I am among those that take the most in taking .2. I am panhypopituitary so I am not the best example of "living well" as my body is wrecked from the Cushing's and taking forever to get help but there have been some that have done well. I never made it back to work after my adrenals were out but I know others that have done pretty well.
On some addison sites and boards there are others that have no adrenals and do well. You have to make sure you don't forget your meds, stay hydrated, have salt, and if you were strong before, likely you will make a good recovery.
There is also an addison disease handbook out there that is handy.
Your doc should test you for DHEA sulfate so that you know how much to take. It is a precurser to testosterone and estrogen so you don't want to take too much and it really really depends on you individual hormonal make-up. I would also recommend calcium, D, B12, ferratin tests as well.
Potassium is to be avoided, for me, when you are ill - as your body will store it - an adrenal crisis happens when sodium drops and potassium rises in most people but not all.
I have no idea about the primary or secondary!
Good luck!
I have no adrenal glands at all. I had them both removed in March 2006. I know of many that live without adrenal glands. I had mine removed as I had a pituitary tumor and had surgery. Tumor grew back and was dectectible via labs but not on the scans so decided my best option was to remove the adrenals.
Basically you have to take your hydorcortisone daily or whatever your endo gives you but most take cortef as it is most like your body produces. Most take florinef in various doses. Some of us take half a pill - I am among those that take the most in taking .2. I am panhypopituitary so I am not the best example of "living well" as my body is wrecked from the Cushing's and taking forever to get help but there have been some that have done well. I never made it back to work after my adrenals were out but I know others that have done pretty well.
On some addison sites and boards there are others that have no adrenals and do well. You have to make sure you don't forget your meds, stay hydrated, have salt, and if you were strong before, likely you will make a good recovery.
There is also an addison disease handbook out there that is handy.
Your doc should test you for DHEA sulfate so that you know how much to take. It is a precurser to testosterone and estrogen so you don't want to take too much and it really really depends on you individual hormonal make-up. I would also recommend calcium, D, B12, ferratin tests as well.
Potassium is to be avoided, for me, when you are ill - as your body will store it - an adrenal crisis happens when sodium drops and potassium rises in most people but not all.
I have no idea about the primary or secondary!
Good luck!