The chronic disease blues...

Those of us with a chronic disease such as Addison's Disease or Adrenal Insufficiency face the blues at times...they can be like a heavy cloud hanging over us, keeping us a prisoner of our disease. Not doing the things we once enjoyed or even excelled in doing. Days spent on the couch...getting little done and feeling guilty that we have spent another day lost in the fog of Addison's or adrenal disease. There is no way out of the fog at times...but other times we face the sun and spread our wings and soar! The sad thing is that this can last a short time or it can be extend but there is always the reality that the days on the couch may return. It can be depressing.

I find myself becoming a recluse...not wanting or feeling comfortable leaving my safety zone. This is self-defeating as it snowballs...the more you withdraw the harder it is to get out there and do things! You had rather not bother than to prepare to go out. This is not good! It makes depression more likely and it is harder to overcome. We need interaction with others...I am writing to myself as well as others! We need other interests, you know what those interests are for you. Most importantly, just do something that you find enjoyable and rewarding...it will improve your mood!

Chronic disease is a breeding ground for depression but it doesn't have to overtake our lives...there is help, just reach out and take advantage of the medical and professional guidance available to you. Find a support group, others who know what you are going through, who share the same problems and obstacles, and those who are living well with their disease can be an inspiration to us. The support can be local or online...just reach out!

Find things that make you smile and brings you joy, leaving less room for the blues!

Your Emergency Injection

Everyone with Adrenal Insufficiency should have and be familiar with using an emergency injection of steroid. The steroid of choice is Solu-Cortef, act-o-vial, but Solu-Medrol is also available in an act-o-vial. Dexamethasone is another choice but it is the longest acting of the glucocorticosteroids.

It is important that you have this injection with you or nearby at all times. Included in your emergency kit (needle, alcohol swabs, injectable of choice) should be a sheet detailing how an Addisonian Crisis is treated.

I am enclosing links with instruction for injecting your steroid and an emergency care sheet you may print out to include with your kit.

http://z12.invisionfree.com/apeoplevillage/index.php?showtopic=391

http://addisons-diabetes.gkznet.com/solucortef_v3%20_sept04.pdf

http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/mngadrins.pdf

Please ask for an emergency injectable if you do not have one...it can save your life. Here is a link listing injectable steroids available by prescription from your doctor.

http://z12.invisionfree.com/apeoplevillage/index.php?showtopic=1993

Keep well...

Special note: If you are having trouble getting Solu-Cortef Act-o-Vial or are being told it is no longer available, ask your pharmacist to look for the preservative free injectable. NDC: 00009-0011-03 ( the 100 mg. strength). It has a different NDC number than the one many of us are familiar with carrying. 2-17-11