Living Well with Addison's
Living with Addison's disease requires careful management, but it doesn't have to limit your life. Here are some key practices:
**Medication consistency:** Take your hydrocortisone at the same times each day. Never skip doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember.
**Stress dosing:** Learn when to increase your dose—during illness, fever, injury, surgery, or significant emotional stress. Your endocrinologist can give you a clear plan.
**Emergency preparedness:** Always carry an emergency hydrocortisone injection and wear a medical alert bracelet or card. Create a free emergency card from this site to keep in your wallet.
**Routine care:** See your endocrinologist regularly. Keep up with blood tests to ensure your replacement doses are correct.
**Mental health:** Chronic illness can affect mood. Don't hesitate to seek support from a therapist or psychiatrist familiar with chronic conditions. Our directory includes mental health professionals who volunteer to support the Addison's community.