A.C.T. N.O.W.

Here's a mnemonic to remember common symptoms of Addison's so that when you see them, you ACT NOW, and go to a doctor/ER immediately to get an ACTH test.

Anxiety (from low blood sugar)
Crave salt/Constipation (from low sodium)
Tanned and Tired

Nausea/vomiting
Orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness when you stand up)
Weight loss

Addison's is an endocrine disease of the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol to maintain blood sugar, or enough aldosterone to maintain sodium and potassium, these symptoms build until a trigger like a common cold or flu sends you over a cliff into an Addisonian Crisis that culminates into cardiovascular collapse, coma and death. We found Annie in bed one morning during an Addisonian Crisis and she was rescued somewhere between "coma" and "death." But it doesn't need to happen that way. Be alert and Act Now.

Jean