I saw my Thyroid Specialist today and discuss her findings, medications and MRI results. I had so many questions and she took the time to answer each of them. I have Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. Primary Adrenal Insufficiency is due to my pituitary gland not producing enough hormones. My MRI showed I have Empty Sella Syndrome which is a condition in which the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened. In my case I hardly have one. Therefore if I didn't seek help when I did or if my doctor didn't test my cortisol, I would have died. The medication I am on is imperative for me to survive. I was told that this condition is apparently something I was born with. Birth defect I guess you can say. It has taken 39 years for my body to come to a point where it can not function anymore. Primary Adrenal Insufficiency is linked to Addison's Disease but thankfully I do not have Addison's Disease. The Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency is due to my Adrenal Glands not producing enough ACTH. Needless to say due to my new diagnoses and medication requires I will have to purchase a medical alert bracelet. I also have to attend a class in case I have an Adrenal Crisis. Anytime I feel over worked, extreme stress, vomiting or diarrhea I will need to double up on my Hydrocortisone and hope I don't pass out and end up in the hospital.
Next month I am scheduled another spinal nerve block. I am a bit worried about the back pain afterwards. Hoping it will help my abdominal pain. I am also scheduled a breath test to measure the bacterial growth in my small intestines. Normally there is a huge amount of bacteria in your colon but shouldn't be too much in your small intestines. Bacteria overgrowth symptoms include nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss and malabsorption. All of these would confirm my symptoms.
I can't help but wonder how my health will be in the future. It saddens me that I can not do as much as I use to. I can't handle much physical stress anymore. The things I used to enjoy may be a thing of the past. Only time will tell.
