Another Diagnosis to Add to my Long List

During my 49 years in this crazy life I live I have learned to make my own list of previous medical history, surgeries and medication that that I keep on my computer. I update and bring it to a new doctor I see

Yesterday I went to my post-hospital follow-up visit with the Endocrinologist I was referred to while ill in the hospital last month. I thought I was just visiting him for a simple follow up as I considered my diagnosis was a mere awful bug causing gastritis etc. However, unknowingly I walked into what would be a very overwhelming experience.

He announced that I had Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome. As he presented my lab results to confirm the diagnosis he explained what it was. I heard "adrenal gland not working" (I knew it was 'insufficient' but never realize not working at all.), "ACTH way over the top", "no stressor" etc. He told me I needed to be on yet another drug for the rest of my life, gave me another prescription for Vitamin D, and advised me to get a Medic Alert for in case emergency because when I was admitted I was on the verge of entering the other world and it could happen again. He reassured me that if I take my meds, things should be okay.

My cuz has a friend who is a doctor asked her to explain it in more lay terms and she broke it down for her. So here it is

Polyglandular means multiple glands. Autoimmune means the persons' immune system is fighting their own body tissues. The adrenal gland is responsible for the body's adaptation to stress. If it fails there's a "system crash" when people get stressed or sick that can be life threatening. The thyroid gland controls metabolism. If it fails you get multiple symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, and slow heart rate. The heart can fail if thyroid function gets low enough. Heart failure can kill you. Type 1 diabetes in this disease is caused by antibodies to the pancreas which destroy its function. The person requires insulin or they die. People with polyglandular autoimmune disease usually require lifelong supplementation of multiple hormones to prevent death from multiple possible sources. Fortunately there are drugs available to replace all of the hormone deficiencies your cousin is likely to have, so if she stays on her medications and follows up with her doctor she should do okay."


As the saying goes, life sucks then you die! I am usually cool, calm and collected and accept what is given to me and move on. However, I have noticed as I get older, I get depressed and just wonder, how much more can my little body take?

To add to my stress, when I went to pay, my Debit card was denied. My bank is at it again! I went there and said my peace. Monday, I am going opening a new account at another bank and take my money out. That in itself is another story I may tell another day.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend. PEACE!