Adrenal Insufficiency Support Group

I know HC can irritate the stomach, but it hasn't been much of an issue until this week. Bad stomach ache, very bloated and gassy (yet not passing), so my belly is big and hard. Constipated, too. Sorry to be so graphic!! Any hints as to what I can do to alleviate all this?

I'm especially stressed this week with major deadlines at work and extra demands on my time. I have not stressed dose, though. Could it just be low Cortisol?

This is when it gets tricky... are the symptoms from the disease or the treatment?

It is hard to say, what helps me is Milk of Magnesia right before bed time. The bloated thing happens all the time. I take GasX for that right after I eat, never sure if it is the disease or the treatment but I know Addison's causes severe gastric problems. At least it did for me.

Thanks, Teri. I'll try those treatments. Do you use GasX after EVERY meal or just after certain foods that you know bother you?

I've been trying to eat a lot of ruffage and drink a lot of water to help move things around, but not much help.

I can tell pretty much right away if it is going to bother me. It says you can take after every meal and before bed time. Pretty much the only things that don't bother me are fish and certain vegetables and certain fruits.

I use to use microlax, you do use it in your bum vs digesting it but quick and easy and problem solved.

I now have lactose intolerance, so I never have to worry about constipation! LOL

I have lactose interolerance too.

I'm going to get on my soapbox here and state my firm belief: ANYONE who is on steroids of any form (that includes HC and prednisone) should be on a really strong probiotic. Candida can cause all the symptoms you mention, from gas to bloating to constipation and even diarrhea. Overgrowth can occur due to steroid or antibiotic use. Minimizing sugar (which causes the little buggers to grow out of control, they love the stuff) will also help.

Also, anyone taking this should never take it on an empty stomach.

Deb

I second Deb. Probiotics for prevention and Milk of Magnesia for treatment if things get out of control.

M

Deb, you are so right about the probiotics. I stumbled on them quite by accident but now use them all the time.I would go from severe constipation to the extreme oppisite. This would also come with awful pain & cramping. After stating the probiotics daily the only time I have gastric issues is when I am having a crisis or am dehydrated.I get these little plastic bottles that look the size of a shot glass. It dose not taste bad & is easy to get down. Hope this will help......Sheila

Thanks,Everyone! I did some online research re: probiotics and one site for a specific brand (which I can't recall) said specifically that it doesn't interact with any medication except that people on corticosteroids should not take it. Hhmmm... I wondered if it was the specific brand or all probiotics. Even so, I'm learning to "buy" what all of us living with Addison's and its treatments have to say regardless of some of the other info. I'll do some further research for sure, and appreciate so much the soapbox Deb and all you who joined her!! lol

Meanwhile, I purchased some stool softener and Gas-X and feel like a little old lady. And my hubby is getting a good chuckle out of it. All I can do is smile!