Addison's Information
This page offers assistance finding a specialist to help you manage your Addison's, documents to always carry in case of accidents or emergencies, and helpful sources of information to learn more about adrenal insufficiency. Please review the following information with your doctor.
Finding a specialist on Vancouver Island
Visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia site to use the Find a Physician box which allows you to search for an endocrinologist or internist in specific B.C. communities.
Emergency Letters and Hospital Protocols
Be prepared. It is imperative that people with Addison's carry documents which will help them through Emergency Department triage after an accident or in an adrenal crisis. The Vancouver Island Addison's Support Group developed this Emergency Letter with the help of a Victoria ER physician. After downloading and typing in your medical information, this Emergency Letter should be printed and always kept close at hand. Retain a completed copy on your computer for future use.
When requiring hospital care this Hospital Protocol form should also be taken with you.
Should an ambulance be called to your home for an emergency, paramedics often check your refrigerator door for information about your medical condition(s). The Canadian Addison Society has provided an Emergency Medical Information Sheet on which you state your health information before printing out then attach to your fridge.
Useful Sources of Information on Addison's Disease
The Addison's Disease Self Help Group in the UK has published a number of excellent guides.
Living With Addison's Disease - a practical manual giving an overall picture of life with adrenal insufficiency.
Managing Addison's Disease - a two page document of facts and advice.
Surgical Guidelines - gives advice on medicating for various medical procedures, such as surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions - the Canadian Addison Society website page giving an endocrinologist's answers to questions.
Emergency Injection Instructions
Your doctor may prescribe emergency medication in the form of Solu-Cortef vials to be injected using a syringe in the case of an adrenal crisis. Here are instructions for administering Solu-Cortef injections. If prescribed this injection kit, it would be prudent to always keep it at hand, especially when a hospital is not within easy reach.
Medic Alert Wording
Doctors usually recommend wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace to alert Emergency staff of your Addison's. The consultant endocrinologist to the Canadian Addison Society has suggested using the wording Adrenal Insufficiency - on hydrocortisone (as an example) - may need Solu-Cortef.
For additional information about adrenal insufficiency please visit the Canadian Addison Society website.