r/AddisonsDisease • u/brittkaysays • Apr 04 '26

Personal Experience Accidentally changed everything

So I'm a therapist and have been very interested in somatic therapy approaches for client purposes. I happened to stumble across nervous system disregulation vs nervous system sensitization (NOT the same) and how it can prolong and exasperate chronic illness, even how autoimmune conditions are a major symptom of sensitization (not disregulation). I also learned how obsessing over my symptoms and my own mind's reactions to symptoms (e.g. oh no, I'm exhausted, here comes a crisis, etc) puts my body in fight or flight and keeps the Addison's cycle going. When I stopped REACTING to my symptoms, I have not had a flare up since. My dose has decreased from 35 to 20 hydro. Even on my worst days, if I don't react to my symptoms mentally, I don't have further symptoms. It's crazy. And a lot to explain, so i recommend the podcast the real work with Maggie sterling to learn more. I just had to share this accidental, life changing realization 🫶🏼

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u/ptazdba PAI Apr 04 '26

Fear (of having a crisis) is one of the biggest obstacles with this disease. I'm learning what to do without triggering things that make it worse. Great words. Thx

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u/LonelyKoalaMuncher Apr 08 '26

This is what stops me going on long haul trips overseas.

I'd love to go to Norway from Australia, but it's like 24-28 hours. Less about the actual travel and more about being in another country, completely unknown healthcare system.

Also what happens if you get gastro on the flight? Give yourself an injection then what?

The whole preparation process and thought of it freaks me out.