After searching through the Odyssey’s database, I couldn’t find any articles, information, or experiences on Addison’s disease. I am not a medical doctor, nor do I have Addison’s disease, but I know someone who does: my mother. Others may never understand such pain that comes with this disease when left untreated, however our call is to encourage and uplift those diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency as well as other diseases. My intentions are not only to bring awareness to Addison’s, but also to inspire other people who are dealing with difficult conditions
You might be saying, “I’ve never heard of Addison’s disease.” Neither did I, nor my family. So, what is Addison’s Disease? Also known as adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s is a rare disorder determined by the adrenal gland’s inability to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. Fortunately, adrenal insufficiency can be treated by taking hormones to replace the ones that the body cannot naturally yield. Additionally, about one in 100,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease. (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Seemingly, adrenal insufficiency is simple to treat, however, the subtle signs and symptoms along with the various tests needed to accurately understand the cause, make Addison’s Disease a formidable, yet inconspicuous disease.
An insider look at adrenal insufficiency. Doctors can tell you the risks and possible treatments. Research can tell you information and statistics. The individual however, can explain what it is life to live with a certain condition. So naturally, I asked my mom what it was like to be in the process of identifying her illness, as well as some life lessons and strengths she gained from overcoming the disease. She explained to me that in her case, it will be a lifelong struggle including everyday medication, identification as an individual with Addison’s, as well as cortisol injections. What we discussed next struck me: My mom explained to me she went through two phases of the sickness. The first being the guilt she experienced while often not being able to accomplish regular, household responsibilities. Second, to my surprise and woefulness, my mom told me that she had no longer experienced that guilt because she was physically unable to carry out basic, daily tasks that were once simple and realistic. Lastly, amidst this season my mom experienced deep hopelessness and meaninglessness. She encourages all people with any condition, mental or physical, to reach out and find a community which supports them.
Hunter, what’s the catch? After a time of uncertainty and pain, doctors diagnosed her condition as Addison’s disease, which not only postulated a treatment plan, but also provided clarity and resolution for my mom and the family. After my she conquered her disease, I asked her what strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics were enhanced after overcoming this difficult time. She explained to me that she became more aware of things that cause her stress. Additionally, my mom augmented her idea of self-respect meaning that she recognized that certain responsibilities are meant for others while some opportunities can be turned down.
Follow your gut, your instincts, your intuitions. My mother shared some advice to those who are struggling with adrenal insufficiency: Do not turn away from or disown your intuitions. As humans, we are designed having a certain sense that does not require conscious reasoning. If you believe something to be true, follow it through. Misdiagnoses could have been avoided if my mom raised concerns about Addison’s Disease.
What can we do today or right now? From my last article, I highlighted the importance of having meaningful relationships. To tie these articles together: who is your advocate? Who are those people that will notice if something is physically or mentally wrong? But who are those individuals that recognize when something is amiss AND take constructive action to support you? If you are diagnosed with a threatening disease, who will be that person to take care of your daily chores when you are physically unable. In my mother’s case, my dad modeled to me what an advocate, partner, and soulmate looks like. Who is your advocate?
AN OPEN LETTER
To the most compassionate mother, Heidi Stemm Corbett.
Mom, writing about something you went through as overwhelming as Addison’s causes some interesting feelings within me. Because I was away at school, I was unsure of my role as your son, and a young man observing your journey through these unknown conditions. Seeing you during some weekends when I would happen to visit, often perpetuated upsetting feelings within me. I want you to you know that despite any circumstance, you are still my caring, affectionate mother, and I will always support you as your son.
As a family, before treatment and diagnosis, we were uncertain as what the outcome would be. We kept a cool mind and caring heart and we apologize for those times that we might have gotten frustrated with you. It was a dark, uncertain time for you, but also for your loving husband, as well as your two children. Just like how you were Dad’s advocate when he had open heart surgery; he did his best to be your supporter, your activist, in this season. I encourage you Mom from my own experience: Do not forget this season, do not disown it, do not push it away. Although it was an agonizing stage, let those emotions flow through you without resistance. Though that can sound uncomfortable; feelings, negative or positive, make you the beautiful, resourceful human that you are.
Coming from own heart, I often hear you express your condition and the necessary actions you need to take to ensure your wellbeing. Sometimes I hear that you feel foggy, stressed, overwhelmed, or exhausted. You know that Addison’s disease is not your identity. Your doctors, your medicine, your physiological feelings, emotions, and stress are not who you are. You are not a victim of circumstance and not a casualty to life’s curveballs. You are not destined to take the easy path, it’s fate that decided life will be complicated for you, but destiny also decided that you will overcome the most tremendous things.
Do not wear your bracelet or this necklace as if you have Addison’s disease, however, display these symbols as a representation that you are and will always be champion not only over disease, but anything that life could possibly through at you.
Merry Christmas to the most influential person in my life – Heidi Corbett
From the luckiest son in the world – Hunter Corbett
