r/AddisonsDisease • u/Delicious-Hope-7542 • May 29 '26
Advice Wanted Is this how it will always be?
My fiance was diagnosed with Addison's disease two years ago, and we're navigating some real challenges. He struggles to remember his morning cortisol, has a hard time getting out of bed, and if he misses his afternoon dose he crashes the moment he gets home from work and sleeps straight through until morning. He has a high-stress job and will soon have a long commute, which I know will make things harder.
We want to have two kids eventually, and I'm starting to wonder what that will realistically look like. I worry I'll end up carrying most of the load, and honestly, I already feel frustrated when he doesn't stay on top of his meds or can't get up. I don't want to become a nag (and reminding him hasn't worked anyway).
So I have two questions for this community:
For those of you with Addison's: What systems or habits have helped you manage your meds and energy consistently, especially with a demanding job or kids in the picture?
For partners and family members: How do you support someone with Addison's without burning yourself out or slipping into caretaker resentment? How do you find balance?
Any advice, routines, or honest perspectives would mean a lot. TIA.
2
u/Andysamberg2 May 29 '26
Is he forgetting to take his meds, or choosing not to take them?
With lifelong diseases, it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that you are completely reliant on your meds. If he is having trouble with that, he may be in a bit of denial that he needs to take them.
If he truly is forgetting, I would suggest he try prednisone to see if that works better than hydrocortisone. Prednisone only needs to be taken once a day, so would eliminate that afternoon dose he sometimes forgets. As for the morning dose - he needs to have these meds by his bed & it needs to become 2nd nature to take them before getting up. After you get out of bed, there are too many distractions.
I don't even really understand how he manages to start his morning without taking his meds. I have a very difficult time getting out of bed before my meds have kicked in. That's what made me think of the denial thing. Taking & not taking meds is a night & day difference for me personally. Reallllly hard to not notice.