My Addison's Disease Story 

I have an Instagram page called @addisonsadvocate, be sure to head over there and check it out! Going to start hosting Instagram Lives in the coming weeks with many of you to create a place for us to share our stories with each other in hopes of providing hope and encouraging the community. See you over there!

As a current nursing student I wanted to share that this disease is covered over and over again, its on so many exams and boards. I'm just so shocked that such a heavily taught/studied disease was missed by so many medical professionals around you.

This is a great story. I was in the Marines at the time of my diagnosis. I spent 6 months in other dealing with addisonian crisis and they just kept telling me I was dehydrated. It wasn’t until I almost died while on predeployment leave that a civilian doctor was able to find out I actually had addisons disease.

The worst part of this disease is that the others see you walking and doing you daily stuff think that you are okay and if you got tired or sleep all day think that you are just lazy, they don't know that we are fighting to do the most simple things 😢

I'm overwhelmed by the support of all of you! Addison's Disease is a super rare disease and not a lot of people know about it but together we can change that. Please share this video with friends and family so that we can raise awareness and ultimately save lives!

Loved seeing your video; I was diagnosed almost 66 years ago at the age of 10; I've had a wonderful life and done everything I wanted to do; wishing you a long and happy life also.

I love that you include Our LORD JESUS CHRIST! You have made me smile! God bless brother!

I'm a med student and I can't believe that's how they approached u on your first consult.. thank u for sharing your story. I'll make sure to raise awareness about this and be aware myself. You are a miracle. thank God

Reading through these comments ,I wonder how many people die undiagnosed ? Perhaps it is not as rare as people think. What a wonderful video,thankyou.💖✨️

I have had it since I was 13 years old. Did not find out until I was 38 and the level of cortisol was 1. The Lord Jesus kept me from dying young and now I have a great family.

I’m going through this now at 60yo. Waiting on test results and feeling awful. Please keep me in your prayers ❤ Thank you 🙏 😊

Thank you for sharing!! I’m sorry the doctors gaslight us all so much with “anxiety & depression”! Completely neglecting real investigative research to find the problem and treatment! I to am experiencing those same mobility problems and more. I am currently going through autoimmune testing so I don’t know exactly what I have yet. I’m so happy you are alive, got treatment, and live a fulfilling life! Praise the Lord!

I have secondary adrenal insufficiency I basically had radiotherapy around 2 years ago to treat a brain tumour and was prescribed a very strong steroid called Dexamethazone and once I’d weaned off this my adrenal glands totally shut down with a cortisol level of just 22! I was actually in hospital last night for the emergency hydrocortisone injection and placed on a drip due to having adrenal crisis symptoms the salt cravings and constant dry mouth are a pain and the fatigue I feel is on another level I’m 36 but feel 90! Amazing you’ve done this video as it is so rare and an illness you never heard spoken about sending well wishes!

I just got diagnosed with Addison's Disease a month ago after being in and out of the hospital for the past 4 years. I have had 3 near death experiences in the last 6 months and have lost an extreme amount of weight (causing me to be diagnosed with unintentional anorexia.) It is so relieving to finally have an answer and I am grateful to be alive. Listening to your story made me feel less alone and showed me that I have so much more time to my life than I thought I did! thank you (:

I have secondary Addison’s and was on deaths door too. There definitely needs to be more awareness about this life threatening disease!

General doctors have fallen for the lie that "happy pills" are a good substitute for real medicine. Not only is it sloppy diagnosing, but those psychiatric drugs are also more dangerous than most people realize. I'm so glad you made it to a real diagnosis and that you're still here! It's so true what you said about advocating for yourself. Thank you for making this video.

I have type 1, hypothyroidism and Addisons. Diagnosed 1 year after the other. I had a doctor blow me off as well and he luckily recognized he could have killed me, then went back for further education. Your story is inspiring. I hope the best for you and that God blesses you abundantly in this new year.

I could cry listening to this. This was my life before my addisons diagnosis. I was told for 3 years after symptoms started that I was just anxious. The story about the shower hit home for me. I would just lay in the shower floor because I couldn’t get my heart to slow down enough to stand

My daughter was diagnosed in 2017 at 18. It took 4 ER visits, two ambulance rides, multiple doctors visits, therapist visits and her going to an eating disorder clinic (told by doctors she was an anorexic) to be diagnosed.

Hi Levi. I have Primary Addison's. I was diagnosed in March 2013. I lost 70 pounds in 4 months. I went from a size 18 to 2. I was found covered in bile, rushed to the ER. I was brought up to ICU and I was 2 points away from being in a coma. Our stories are so very similar. Thank you for sharing.

I have Addison's. I was a very, very healthy person until I was around 35. Suddenly, I began to feel off, then sick, then deadly ill. It was literally everything that you described. They did every test on the planet and couldn't find anything. Finally, they sent me to the Mayo Clinic, where two months later, they realized it was Addisons. Looking back, they diagnosed me with all of the things that frequently mimic Addison's; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and when me skin started turning dark in my elbows and wrists, etc, they diagnosed me with something called Dowling Degos. It has been a journey. I really resonated with everything that you said. Thank you for filming this.

I also have Addison’s disease and I think it’s really amazing how you’re sharing your story and inspiring others!

I’m only 10 minutes into your video and I’ve been crying the last 8 minutes! Your story hits so close to home I’m finishing your sentences before you say them. It’s like I’m reliving the almost two years undiagnosed Addison’s all over again. Just hearing someone else go through the same things I did is heartbreaking but I also have a sense of relief that there’s others out there who actually get it! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s been 9 years since falling into a coma due to Addison’s being undiagnosed for so long. Its completely changed my life and has opened up doors to more health issues to the point where I’m no longer able to work (I was working full time in a homeless shelter and street outreach) but its lead me to the one thing I’ve been in need of and was searching for God’s Grace, Truth and Love. Legit, wouldn’t change anything because now I have Jesus so I’m definitely okay with how my life has turned out! Sending so much love and a ton of Blessings from Canada ♥️

Hey man youre not alone. I was diagnosed with Addisons disease and POTS syndrome in 2013. I graduated high school and endured the same effects and sypmtoms. Its been ten years with it and its been a very hard road with this illness. Tons of hospital visits and adrenal crisis. Doctor didnt understand what i had at first so they tought i was acting sick to get out of school. Im 28 now and still have very tough days. I understand your pain. Thank you for your video.

Thanks for the video. My experience was much more gradual. For 10 years I struggled with recovering from exercise - having to go to bed like I had a cold. It gradually got worse until I stopped exercising all together. Luckily my bloods showed i had hypothyroidism. When that medication didn’t work my wife pushed me to see an endocrinologist who diagnosed me. I have never had a crisis but now have a 3rd autoimmune condition. Grateful that it all worked out but have had doctors tell me that I couldn’t have had the condition for 10 years. There is so much they don’t know. Your comment about looking after yourself is so true.

Jesus isn't done with you yet--he's got big plans for you! Thank you for giving God the glory. I am crying through your video. Thank you so much for sharing your story. My son's best friend (who is like a second son to me) had every single symptom you described and today he was finally diagnosed with Addisons disease. He sent this video out today to the people close to him to spread the word. He is 32 and almost died a few months ago because the doctors couldn't figure out what was going on. God bless you. Stay strong! See, even 2 years later your message is reaching the people who need to hear it.

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I went through an almost IDENTICAL experience. I almost died. People thought I was anorexic and a tanning addict. I lost 3 jobs and mind you, prior to getting sick, I was a huge athlete. I thought I was going crazy!!!! I have lived with Addisons disease now, for over 28 years. At times, it is still a science experiment especially when it comes to working out, playing sports, dealing with sodium depletion from sweating and taking care of myself. I am so happy you are better now, and healing!

Wow! I’ve had ADDISONS for 16 yrs … it’s horrid… had another crisis today! As I’ve got older they happen quick fast, Out ! Your doing a wonderful job! No doctors here understand, or know about it! I’ve been in numerous occasions in hospital, last experience they nearly killed me, and I had a silent crisis… worst ever as you can talk,move so you look a sleep…..still suffering pts… 🦋🦋🦋🦋

Oh man the part where the doctor tells you it’s anxiety has triggered me 😢. Why are they like this. Dismissive. I’m going through this right now

When you thanked the lord…tears! Bless you!

Levi, thank you so much for posting your story on RU-vid. This is how we learn. At age 68, my sister was diagnosed with Addison Disease. Hearing your story, my sister went through the same thing. My sisters age and she was overweight, unfortunately, she died of Addison's disease in December 2022 at age 69. I cried watching your video and listening to your story. The take away for me is, when and if I hear about someone who have the same symptoms as you and my sister, I will mention this disease and urge them to get proper testing done. The problem with the much of the medical community is, they think you are a drug addict trying to get drugs instead of listening to what you have to say. I hear this constantly from people seeking medical help. Yes, Jesus had your back Levi, and you will continue to be blessed. Thank you again for your story.

I am a health care provider and ashamed at how you were treated. Your video and coverage of the disease is excellent! Thank you for producing it.

I’m there now & saw Endocrinologist first time last week , I’ve felt like I’m dying often & mornings are the worst I’m so scared thanks for sharing this

Dang. I just wrote a huge comment and it was mostly deleted. I'll keep this short: I dated a woman for 5 years with Addison's. Make sure to keep your pills in 2 different places while you're traveling. We had our car broken into on a hike and they stole her meds...and she was crashing... luckily we had spares in my backpack. Also save up extra meds in case of a disaster. She's had it for 12 years and has lived a very healthy life since diagnosed. Every few years her body will change and things will get weird, but it usually only lasts a month or two while they recalibrate the meds. I hope many good things for you on your journey! Thanks for sharing your story. Always important to seek out the doctors who will actually take the time to listen to you. So important!

I have addisons... and had the same experience with doctors not listening to the point I died... I was 23 and a new mum. I fight everyday xxx thank you for this video xxx

Hi!!! I have PAI since 2008, Today I”m 43 years old. Just as you said I’m a surviver, I had my three babys without knowing that I was sick, I don’t know how I did it.... three c-section without cortisol.. wow!!! Jesus really loves me. I have good days and bad days but mostly good days. I fight everyday with the fatigue, but I make exercise 5 times a week, have a work and try to have a normal life. Thanks for your videos.

Every doctor on the planet should watch your video. Brillant ! So well done ! 🤩

I’ve had Addison’s for about 15 years. It took months to get diagnosed. I asked the doctor to check cortisol because my nails had dark vertical strips. I read that somewhere. That helped the doctor diagnose me. All the best to you. Praise Jesus.

Hey Levi! I too have Addison’s Disease and am blown away by the similarities in our stories. From crawling into the ER on all fours to the doctor noticing my tan, the misdiagnosis and eating salt from a spoon. Thank you for sharing your story! So glad that they figured it all out and that you’re healthy!

Thank God that you are still here. 🙏🏾✝️

Wow just watched your video . My 19 yr old daughter Emma was diagnosed with Addison’s almost one year ago today. Majority of doctors were convinced she had an eating disorder. Even as she lay in the hospital as an inpatient and they were slowly bringing her sodium level up , a nurse told us Emma should be transferred to s local hospital with a psych ward. It took 6 mos for a diagnosis when I finally mentioned to one of the docs at the hospital on day five how I notice her skin is really dark , did they test . In your video when you talk about how you felt after the diagnosis. We know exactly what that was like, all those months of 40 lb weight loss. No energy, passing out , unable to even make it more the s few hrs at school her SR year . Watching my softball varsity starter not even able to walk for her SR pictures … the diagnosis saved her life and yes her faith in Christ . He was there each step of the way. She is doing great now living life , Freshman in College she’s a beautiful young lady with a beautiful future ! Thank you for sharing!

After a decade of misdiagnosis and being treated for depression, anxiety, etc, despite being in the ER and ICU multiple times a year, and after a few days of rest and saline solution being discharged as "dehydrated" I joined the army, hoping I could at least die a hero. I tried to become a ranger (which is hilarious, as I could barely walk) and in the Army got a proper diagnosis after showing up with a 50/44 blood pressure and 93 degree temperature (a whole bunch of CT scans etc before a simple, cheap ACTH test) Since then, it took me a few years to get back on track, and now I'm doing amazingly well. Thank you for sharing the story.

Thank you for this video. I was just diagnosed today with Addison's disease. I also have Multiple Sclerosis so the fatigue was unreal. At first, I was so confused and shocked it up to my MS but deep down I knew something was not right and felt different especially my 80/53. Thanks again for this video!Jesus saves lives, prayers sent your way... 🙏 🙌

I LOVED this video! Your battle and your victory over Addison's Disease is one of the most heroic testimonies I've ever heard. Glory to God!

God bless you young man. I’m newly diagnosed with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency - mid life. However, in hindsight I’ve been living with the symptoms of the illness for many years that have gone over looked. I now treat with hydrocortisone as well, but still having difficulties with SOB, so still working closely with my endo, but like Levi I’m so grateful, try not to complain bcuz someone else didn’t receive the dx that they can pretty much be okay with medication. I pretty much dx myself which got me to a dr. bcuz my symptoms over 20 years was never connected by doctors treating individual symptoms. Best of health to us all.

i am 15 years old and i got diagnosed with Addison Disease in May 2020 (at 14 years old). This story is very inspiring and thank you so much for sharing your story because it can be hard speaking about it.

I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease about 4 years ago when I ended up in the hospital 1 day away from my entire body shutting down and dying. I connected with this video so much and I am so glad that you are trying to raise awareness for this disease. Even with medication I never feel 100% normal and it is hard to balance it since not much is known about the disease. Thank you for sharing your story, I know that I am not alone.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago in a full addisons crisis. I battle severe hypoglycemia with it and am slowly getting on track with it. Its definately a challenge.

Dad (84) has lived with undiagnosed (yet randomly “treated” AD for 30+ years and uses Prednisolone (without regime due to docs and lack of diagnosis) - recently admitted to hospital for vascular disease (also a symptom of chronic AD), they take him off Prednisolone because it’s a vascular ward, despite 30+ years of taking it because he doesn’t make enough! Gawd knows how he has survived 10s of mercy dashes … at 84 … he is experiencing exactly this criticality over the past 10 days and many times before - we’re hoping tomorrow that a GP will understand what that “kill switch” is like and that you are literally dying (I experienced the same thing for over 12 months, 3 years ago) - it’s inexplicable aside from being conscious while dying - it’s not even like fainting, despite sometimes doing so - that’s just the light weight version that somehow buys a bit more time. So sorry you went through this, from experience I know that it carries with it a form of PTSD - I hope you’re doing OK. All the best, Anna South Australia

My daughter was recently diagnosed with Addison’s at the age of 32. Thank you for sharing this as it has helped her to know others have it too. God bless

It is crazy how close our story is!! It took months for a Dr. to take me seriously. I finally put all my symptoms in the internet and addisons came up. I had every single symptom. I cried right then and there because I finally knew what was wrong with me. I had to wait a month before I could get in to the dr. so I went to the emergency room and I told them what I think I have. They got me in two weeks earlier but still didn't do the tests to show if I had it. when my dr. appoint came I could barely talk or walk. It took another week and a half to get blood results back. They got them and had me admitted. I was so close to dead. It was so frustrating to find some one to take me seriously. I had to be an advocate for myself.

Thank you for this from the bottom of my heart. I know I have had earlier stage adrenal fatigue since 1998. None of my medical doctors since then could find anything wrong with me. My now ex, abandoned me in 2021 because he got tired of my health issues after 38 years of marriage. There is finally more functional medicine coming in my area, and I finally got diagnosed with adrenal fatigue earlier this year after 24 years. I had Covid twice- once end of 2021 and in May of 2022. I have had long Covid ever since I got it the second time. Between that, already having adrenal fatigue, and then getting CPTSD from being so worn down and the trauma of my ex leaving me out of the blue - I started having shortness of breath sometimes often, my mineral levels have been depleting even faster than before, and I struggle with low blood pressure every day. I haven't been so weak like you got, but some days are pretty bad. I am looking for a new functional doctor as my last one is moving too slow with my treatments, and I think she just has too many clients. I have not been diagnosed with Addison's disease, but after watching this and another person's video - I think I already have it or am really close to having it if I don't get the help I need really fast. I want to give up some days as my health issues have been going on for 25 years now, and I am tired of the struggle, pain, and suffering because of doctors not listening to me. There's days I just want to give up, but I believe God told me to fight, and I still have things to accomplish. Sorry this comment is longer than most. I just wanted to share my story so you could know you are encouraging me and others and making a difference. Thank you!

Dear Levi, Thank you Levi for creating this video. My son and l live in Australia. He is 17 and was diagnosed with Addison's Disease 5 days ago. Thankfully the doctors got the diagnosis right after 2 weeks as l felt like my beautiful, strong, healthy son was literally wasting away in front of my eyes. I have never been so worried in my life, l was scared, his symptoms were unusual so l knew the cause must be also. He had been vomiting most mornings for two weeks, was extremely fatigued, had lost a lot of weight and upon his second admission to the Emergency Department, he had to put in a wheelchair. The doctors did blood tests, chest xray, ultrasound, MRI of his brain. First diagnosis was gastroenteritis, l said that l didn't believe it was that, then CBS, cyclical vomiting syndrome and after few days on a drip he was sent home with anti-nausea medication. This l also did not believe. Within a week l took him back as he was getting so weak he struggled to stand. He was put back on a drip with continued anti-nausea medication. I kept saying to the doctors that his colour was not right. We had spent a month in Northern Australia and Indonesia but that by this stage was 2 months ago and l was saying that his tan should have faded more, as mine had. Finally the diagnosis. It was a relief as you said, but we were devastated, we still are as it is not even a week. It is amazing though how quickly the hormone replacement began to work. Sean my son had a dream to join the airforce and become a fast jet pilot, a high aspiration. This dream appears to be shattered. As his mother l want to console him but my words do little. I think your video will help him to not feel so alone with this rare disease. I will certainly be reading the comments from others. Regards, Lisa

Hi Levi, just been diagnosed today with Addison's disease. Felt a bit in despair, came across your youtube video and it was so incredible and my approach has changed. Thank you Levi.

Didn’t believe that I’m gonna see someone speaks about Adison’s in real life, thought it was just a rare disease I read about it while studying years ago. I’m glad that u made it this far, I wish you all the best.🙏🏽

I am someone with secondary AI. Hypopituitarism caused mine. No tumor, which we looked for several times. Thank you for bringing awareness to this disease like this.

Hi, just got diagnosed with Addison’s today, fortunately I got it diagnosed super super early thanks to some very kind and good doctors here in Italy. I needed to hear this, hopefully I’ll live a normal life without any complications… Keep fighting my brother

(English is my 2nd language) I cried a lot watching this video. 20 years ago I was having adrenal insufficiency at the same time with hyperthyroidism so the adrenal problem was under the radar until I started to feeling too weak and tired, specially in the early morning. It was hard to wake up. Doctors said I was fine because the thyroid was controlled. One day I told the neurologist that it was so hard to wake up in the morning and that I felt better after 10 AM. That sentence changed her face and sent me to a Cortisol test next morning… The result was

I was diagnosed when I was 19, 17 years ago, and it was similar to your situation - my doctor had no idea and mis-diagnosed me a couple of times. It got to the point where I was rushed to ER and it was actually a student doctor who suggested testing me for addisons. I was on deaths door and thankfully after a few weeks in hospital I was out, taking my prescribed meds and getting on with life. Thanks for making this video - very relatable and comforting to know you are living a normal life again!

Never really knew what Addison's was or how serious it can be but thanks for shedding some light on that bro, happy you're here with us today man, much love.

I met a young patient who had Addison's. Her Mom was a huge advocate for her. Her Mom is a nurse. I'm convinced she saved her daughter's life by seeking the cause of her daughter's illness. God bless you.

I've just finally got out of almost a 3 year battle of health issues, and Addison's Disease was at the center of it. You have no idea how much this video helped me. The similarities between our stories are crazy, love seeing this community is so accepting.

You are amazing! I’m being tested now … trying not to let the anxiety take over… what a testimony you have ! God is using you in a mighty way ! Praying for you! In Jesus name!

Thank you for sharing. I’ve had Addison’s disease for 17 years. The fatigue is debilitating. Even once you have it under control. After a cold the fatigue i feel after is the worst part and that’s even after increasing my meds.

I shared this video with my professors at college as we are currently studying this disease. Hoping that your story can be shared amongst other students. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes

Very relatable friend. "How did I not think something bigger was happening" Sorry to hear about the dismissive treatment you received. That was my story too. Eventually I did get validation during the ACTH test in the same ER where people were gossipping about the "anxious anorexic bitch" in the room. They would have let me die! Who asked for the intial cortisol test? ME! You know yourself better than anyone else and your self advocacy is so key. Thank god and thank your strength in making it to the other side the 13:46 transition is like syncope Sad you didn't tell us how good the first intravenous cortisol felt. For me I spent the whole night tentatively dancing after that. I felt SO GOOD

I am so damn tired.of most of these Drs not paying attention to what the hell patients are telling them and automatically assuming someone just has anxiety or depression such an insult to us patients its like they are lazy to do their jobs and really look into what is wrong with the patient and they still get paid ! For basically not doing their job . If i didn’t do my job and provide the service i’m supposed to for my clients I wouldn’t get paid! It’s so messed up we suffer with illnesses and feel terrible for much longer than we should with no diagnosis. I’m glad you finally got answers and are feeling better.

Hey bro, I'm 23 and from germany and I have Addison's myself. I can relate to your story so much. Just like you, it all started around August 2018, I just felt that somethings's off. First time going to the doctors he told me I'm just stressed, it should be better soon. Second time, he gives me some homeopathic meds (didn't know what that was back then). I thought "alright this is a doctor, this should help". Obviously it didnt't! The third time he tells me it's anxiety or depression, so he sends me to a specialist. I started going to therapy and taking meds. I was trying so hard to get better and I thought it's my own fault if it doesn't. At this time I'm already going to the toilet 20-30 times a day bc of the constant feeling of having to vomit. I lost 10kg, felt like I pass out after going up stairs and just felt like shit. After months of it only getting worse, it's my mom who googled my symptoms and found this disease. I go to the doctors around March 2019 and my ACTH is at over 2000 when it should be around 50. From there on things went pretty fast and I finally got my diagnosis and the appropriate meds. If my mom wouldn't have found this herself, who knows if I'd still be here. Long story short, as you said, trust your own feelings! Nobody knows how you feel better than you do! So thank you for raising awareness for this disease and awesome video! I'd love to get in contact with you to talk some more about Addison's

I was crawling on all fours as well and ended up in the hospital. It took a couple of Specialists before I was diagnosed with Addisons. I hope your doing well and thank you for the video!

Levi, I was diagnosed with Addison's three years ago. My story is VERY similar to yours. I was healthy one day then I started a one-year slide to near death. I'm glad you have it under control!!

I too have Addison’s Disease. Have had it for almost 26 years. Took 5 months to diagnose it. I felt like I could have written your script. I’m shocked at how low your sodium was and that you are still here. God is so good! Mine got to 117. Thank you for bringing light to this rare disease and for spreading awareness. Makes days a little brighter to know how much support we have and how much more we can get. Take care!

I have Addisons as well as Hashimoto's, going on 20 years now. Developed it at 16 when a bad case of mono triggered it. Amazing video! Thank you for sharing your story.

Diagnosed about 15 years ago and aside from longer stays when accidents happen I learned to listen to my body and I am proud to meet another advocate. How can I help as I have felt my story needed to be heard.

A friend just recently shared this with me and I can relate so much. A month ago I was put into ICU for my sodium being 117 and had no electrolytes in my body. I’ve been on steroids ever since and just got the call yesterday that I do have Addison’s and will have to take those steroids everyday for the rest of my life... thanks for sharing your story.

I have secondary disease, where my pituitary gland doesn’t work properly. Hence, can’t regulate my adrenal glands at all. I am dependent too on hydrocortisone orally three times a day. Similarly to you, I was miss diagnosed by psychiatry. It wasn’t until I had fainted 4 times in a 24 hour period of time along with chronic vomiting that landed me in the ER. Long story short, I was diagnosed with TBI with damage to my pituitary function. And I was also told I shouldn’t be alive with the almost absent levels of cortisol in my blood, and in 24 hours I too would have been dead. Thank you so very much for sharing your story.

Seriously in tears watching this! I have gone through my own health trials, and I know how traumatic it can be. You are so strong! It's clear the Lord really has an important call on your life. Way to keep moving forward, and thank you for sharing your story.

I was diagnosed last week. I have been struggling with these symptoms for 5 years. Seen doctor after doctor, blood test after blood test. The Labcorp tech knows me by name since I go there so much. So thankful a doctor finally cared enough to look at my bloodwork (test me for things no one else did) and realize what it was. Thank God he saved me. Thank God he saved you and you can help other people. Praise God. Bless you.

I have Addison's disease as well, you took me back to when I was diagnosed at 18. It took 5 days in hospital but like you I lived about a year in crisis beforehand, day 3 in hospital they told my Mom I likely would not make it. Life is so precious.

I am from Bangladesh, and I have Addison's disease and diabetes also, i am 40 years old, now I am taking cotson 10. Thank you very much for sharing your story

I have all of this stuff happening right now. I’ve been sick for 4 years. Last trip to dr they gave me antidepressants. I can’t eat any food. I can’t sleep. I can’t work. I’m not allowed to drive. I can’t think. Diagnosed with “gut” issues. Sibo. Diverticulosis (diagnosed with colonoscopy). Pots. Low bp. Vasovagal syncope. Underweight. Ibd. Leaky blood brain barrier. Currently going to die while waiting for an mri. If I get the energy to roll out of bed I’ll go to the er. I have a deep disrespect for medical “professionals”. Just giving me fluids and telling me to wait 6 months for an mri. I’ve never been tested for addisions. I’ve been in the ambulance from blacking out in public 3 times in the last year. Ontarios medical system is a joke. It’s 700 bucks for an mri just across the border. So I asked to pay to have it done here…. No no no. You can’t pay. Wait to die. Thanks “pensioner”. (That’s a drone who only has a job for a pension). I see fat ppl eating 700 dollars worth of Uber eats a month…. But I “can’t” spend 700 bucks to get an mri. Shit I’d spend whatever I could get. Or at least do more then just basic tests.

Thank you for sharing your story. My daughter fought 2 weeks for her life after an Addisonian Crisis. She had been increasingly ill for about 18 months. She had been very ill one day and then was found unconscious by her husband. The ambulance crew worked over an hour to get her stable enough to transport. Sepsis had spread throughout her body and the swelling in her brain caused wide spread brain damage. She survived but still is unable to eat, speak , walk. She seems to be recovering a little, will smile when family come to visit her. We pray the Lord who protected you from dying will bring her back to her husband and 2 young children. She is a Christian singer song writer. The last song she wrote was uploaded (rough recording) onto RU-vid. She had been deeply depressed. Alyssa Kogler Undone.

Hey, a fellow Addisonian! You've been through quite a rough journey. I thankfully never got to the point where I could have died even though I can relate to quite a lot of your symptoms. I had symptoms for two, three years and the last year I was on a sick leave from studies because I had energy only for surviving through the days. Anything extra or stressful situations just always led me to laying on the sofa for three, four days to gain my strength back. I was too diagnosed with anxiety and went to therapy which was actually quite useful, but the doctors couldn't say why my condition never seemed to improve. It wasn't until the last summer when I got a bad tummy bug and had to go to the hospital as I was very dehydrated and feeling extremely dizzy and weak. I was in the hospital for three days and didn't get better despite all the treatment until they found out my cortisol levels were really low. Then in a couple of days I got diagnosed with a primary Addison's. It's been only 4 months since the diagnosis and I am still trying to find the balance with my meds, but definitely life is brighter and easier now. Thank you for sharing your story and Merry Christmas from wintry Finland! 😄

hey levi im a 14 year old girl and i got diagnosed last year in 2020 i also had a lot of the same things happen to me i am in hostpital rn actually lol i had a addisons crisis and im so happy that u shared ur story it made me feel like i was not alone thank you :) take care everyone

Thank you for the video, I have secondary Addison’s which is pituitary related (panhypopituitary). I was diagnosed when at 17 and am now almost 50. Had to teach some doctors and learn not to trust others along the way but all is good.

This film made me cry as I also have Addisons and had a very similar story. Thanks so much for doing this video ❤️❤️❤️

Wow, my story is almost exactly the same as yours. My sodium was a 108 and the doctors marveled at me. I was also "very tan." Thank you for sharing your story!

I have Addison"s and it is very difficult to manage this disease. thank you for sharing

THANK YOU!!!!! You have explained the pain and experience of Addisons so well. I have a very similar story. Mine was about 4 years before diagnosis with being sent home 2 times by the same ER dr 2 weeks in a row. There were multiple times to the ER that particular summer but that was the worst of it. Funny thing was i had the same ER nurse most every time i was in. I too was told i am lucky i came in when i did or i would be dead. This was the 3rd trip to the ER in 3 weeks. I remember even asking the nurse, that i had got to know threw all the visits, "can i please stay this time? I can't do this anymore." Man, thinking about it makes me cry. I was so done. He said, "you aren't going anywhere." That started my 8 day hospital stay and final diagnosis. I will be sharing your story and video along with my story on my page. So many don't understand and i know this will help them. Thank you AGAIN for your amazing video and detailed experiences of before and after. The struggle is so very real. As i type this i am waiting for my son to chill out so i can close my eyes for a much needed rest.

I think I may have this . I'm as bad off as you were . I've been sick for a while now though and my dr's office called yesterday and told me my labs show that my cortisol is extremely low so I will be under going more testing soon. Thanks so much for sharing ❤

I have not been diagnosed but I have asked 3 separate doctors to test my Adrenals. The 1st one said ...well let's concentrate on your blood pressure for now. The 2nd one said....I don't know a test for that. The 3rd one said she would find out and let me know. I'm still waiting. I think I need to see an Endocrinologist to get help. I cannot work and barely can drive to a grocery store. I also have other Auto Immune disorders and chronic pain but I have yet to find a doctor who listens and actually believes what I'm saying. I don't know how I came across your video but only by the grace of God did it pop up in front of me. Thank you and God bless you for helping others.🙏

My son died of Addison's Disease in 2001. Thank you for sharing.

Wow! I am blown away by your story, bro! You are here for a reason! So thankful that God preserved your life and that you are beating this thing! Let me know if you ever need prayer or any support! ❤️

Thank you for sharing .. keep batling my man... im on addison for 18 years now.. severe anxiety is my enemy.. .. just dont let your body drop.. this is the fight in our life..

Hi Levi, I was just diagnosed primary AI/addisons. Thank you for this. I needed this this morning. I also believe God has saved me and this has happened for a reason. I'm trying to implement steriod injections to be carried on ambulances in my area. Also trying to get the awareness out. Yes, the Lord was definitely with you. I believe this with all my heart. God bless you.

Levi! This is beautiful, amazing, relatable in every way. I too went through a lot to get to my recent primary Addison's diagnosis. I thought I was never going to feel good again. On 12/21 I woke up and could not move and lost consciousness and ended up in ICU for 5 days. I was told " we may not figure things out" . I have a good friend who has MS and she told me " you have to be an advocate for yourself and I can be on the phone if you want". When the doc came back I said " you HAVE to figure this out or I will be here in another few months or I will be dead". And then things started happening to arrive at the Addison's. I have a lot to learn but I like you feel almost blessed now. I have worked as mid six figure executive( like a dog) for the past 25 years and have always been an artist ( painter) on the side, that helped me release things inside. I stopped painting about a year ago and that should have been a sign. The couple I did do I am glad for because now I see where I was and it is captured. I know too that God needs me here and I am looking forward to living my life, creating art. I will share this video with my teenage twins because it is so relatable. Good job man!

Thank you for sharing! I ended up with a pacemaker before they figured it out. I'm still trying to get on the right dosage after 2 years to keep out of ER. So many specialists tested for every autoimmune disease but never my cortisol. The ICU finally figured it out. So frustrating.

Thanks for doing this. I've got secondary Addison's and can relate to a lot of what you are saying about the symptoms. Although the two are different (no skin pigmentation for 2nds, sodium counts are different, etc), there are similarities. The biggest thing is being diagnosed. Thank God you were diagnosed so quickly once admitted. I went through 20 years of psych meds before someone finally listened and figured out it was never psychiatric. You are young and I see the passion in you. You will do well. I truly appreciate what you've done by sharing this. I don't tell a lot of people about my diagnosis because like you, it doesn't define me. I tell the people who need to know and that's it, but maybe I'm wrong in doing that. Maybe education is key and by sharing this, more people will be properly diagnosed. I believe there are so many more walking around with undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency or thyroid issues, but the medical professionals are quick to diagnose with mental health issues instead of digging for the real diagnosis. Granted, the medical world is stressed right now but before and after this is done... I sincerely wish you the absolute best my friend! Getting the diagnosis is half the battle and you've got the fight in you! YOu're doing well just listening to your body! Take care of you and I'm grateful you survived. You were meant to do great things!!!

Thank you for sharing Didn’t get diagnosed for 45 years after crisis. I would go in and out of symptoms my whole life. I’m grateful to be here. 95 lbs to 120 lbs 😊

My 15 year old son was just diagnosed. He was very sick like you. It took him collapsing and in ICU to get diagnosed. We are in our 1st week at home on meds and he is feeling better. Your story is inspiring. Thank you for doing this video. It gives me hope to see a young person like yourself recovering and healthy.

Thank you,had been diagnosed with this years ago ,but nothing was done,but my symptoms are escalating & some days cannot cope , so thank you