Staying Alive: Adrenal Insufficiency Edition

Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised with a good day. I have good energy and can accomplish almost as much as anyone else. I took advantage of this occasion and ran some errands. One of the places I went was the hospital. (This was a good visit though.)

THE EMERGENCY PROTOCOL

I finally took the advice I’m always giving to others and gave my local ER a copy of the emergency protocol for adrenal crisis.

This is hands down THE BEST guide I’ve found for emergency managment of Adrenal Insufficiency including stress dosing and adrenal crisis protocol. You should have a copy of this! 😉 Click the link to download the PDF.

I went right to registration and after their initial confusion, (this is an uncommon practice for patients) they scanned it right in. All of the hospitals in my area have the same computer system, so now all of them will know how to save my life.

This past June, I had the misfortune of visiting the ER for an adrenal crisis, and they did not respond appropriately to the urgency of the situation. I cannot blame them for this, unfortunately it comes with the dubious honor of being so rare. However, my (now former) endocrinologist was unreachable by the ER staff, and this caused a delay in treatment that nearly cost my life. My goal is for that to NEVER happen again.

THE ID

Another necessary step was getting my medical ID updated. In my crisis, I could not speak. I cannot express how frightening it is to be alone, know you are in danger, but unable to speak or advocate for yourself. Do not assume there will be someone to speak for you. Get an ID, make sure it’s up to date.

This is from RoadID. Use this link and 10% of your purchase goes to Adrenal Insufficiency United and the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation.

This one replaced my stainless steel chain bracelet. Gone is the old doctor’s name, and in with the new. My new doctor gave me her cell and home numbers for my ID. It gives me so much peace of mind to know I have a doctor that cares in my corner.

THE INJECTION

I also added this info to my emergency injection kit, and put a more eye-catching alert on the front.

I added a QR code that links to THIS instructional video. In my kit I have 250mg Act-o-Vial of Solucortef, syringes (22 or 23 gauge is best,) alcohol swabs, cotton balls, and Band-Aids. Also, I have my emergency contacts, and a print out of injection instructions with pictures. I picked up my case in the tackle section at Walmart, but you can also find it HERE.

Here is the QR code I have in my kit. You are welcome to save and print it.

With any luck, all of this preparation will keep me alive! Stay safe out there friends!

❤Michelle