"Lack of awareness of secondary hypoadrenalism"

In 2019 I was diagnosed with secondary hypoadrenalism. I don’t have to take regular hydrocortisone as on normal day my cortisol level is ok, but if I am injured, under stress or having surgery I need hydrocortisone orally at first or more seriously IV.

I fell at home and hit my head hard on a wall. I called for an ambulance as I’m also on an anticoagulant. I took some H orally. The paramedics were aware of my condition.

I waited in the ambulance at the hospital for 1/2 an hour. Was taken into cubicles but didn’t stay as it was needed by another patient. I  was taken into the main area where I waited again.

By the time I was taken to be triaged, I began to shake and felt unwell. The nurse said it was shock. I tried to explain it was due to my adrenal problem. The people around me in the waiting area were concerned but not the nurse. She left me to stagger up the corridor, carrying my bag containing meds, emergency pack and overnight stuff.

The doctor challenged me, as to why I had the emergency pack containing  H. By this time I was quite distressed. Eventually after reading the documents in the pack, a venflon was sited and a hydrocortisone infusion was commenced. The nurse didn’t communicate with me, despite my attempts at conversation, making me feel as though I was being processed.

The seriousness of my  situation was realised, as I was taken for a CT scan. After which I was transferred onto a bed and put in a side ward in majors, for an overnight stay.

My obs were taken on arrival but not much after that. My obs were taken in the morning and I was told I could go home. I left with a friend at 8am.

This experience didn’t fill me with confidence about seeking help in the future.