Hi,
Recently diagnosed (finally) with Adrenal Insufficiency. There was some back and forth between doctors on what type but it's landed on Secondary (or Central) Adrenal Insufficiency. I had started Hydrocortisone at the normal dose of 25mg daily, which I split up into 3-4 doses that start higher and lower as the day progresses. As I know it's important to not take too much steroid I have since lowered successfully to 17.5 a day and then, this week I'm doing 15mg daily (10 in a.m. and 5 at around 1ish). So far, so good. I've had a bit of calf cramping but I've also been trying to get back to working out so that could be the cause.
My problem is this, long before the diagnosis and treatment I had been having swelling. Legs, feet, arms, hands...pretty much full body swelling. However, the past few weeks it ramped up. It's extremely uncomfortable, causes pain in the joints and makes me short of breath. Is this something that anyone has any experience with?
I've searched this site and others and find mentions of it with suggestions to add salt, reduce salt, lower HC, raise HC. It's quite confusing so I thought I'd toss the question out and see what sticks!
I have an abundance of labwork available and can post pretty much any number that might help. Also, I need to add that I do believe (have since way before the AI) that I have Hypopituitarism. Of course, lab-work has not been helpful with this but I have Every. Single. Symptom of Hypothyroidism. Complete with two nodules.
I also have a history of the following:
~anemia (treated with IV iron treatments) but those numbers (Ferritin) are much better now.
~ low Vitamin D levels- taking 3000 iu daily has raised that number into a safe zone
~Positive ANA, 1:640 titer, homogenous pattern in 2014, then a negative result a month ago. Dr things it may be a false negative since I'm now taking steroids so I have an appt. with rheumatologist Friday.
~Low Aldosterone-not treated, confusion among drs as that doesn't really run with SAI
I know that's a lot of info but I am working on staying on a lower HC dose per doctor's request and don't want to be inadvertently causing the swelling. Any help is appreciated!