In the latest episode of Chronic Convos, I sit down with Philippa, a resilient woman living with Addison’s disease, to shed light on this rare and often misunderstood condition. Philippa’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and advocacy as she navigates life with a chronic illness that affects the adrenal glands, a vital part of the endocrine system.
Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone—hormones critical for managing stress, maintaining blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes. It’s a rare condition, affecting roughly 1 in 100,000 people, but for those like Phillippa, it’s a daily challenge.
Like many with chronic illnesses (and Philippa has many), Phillippa’s journey to diagnosis was long and filled with uncertainty. She explains that the symptoms of Addison’s disease—fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and weight loss—are often mistaken for other conditions.
Phillippa’s story is one of resilience and hope. While Addison’s disease has changed her life in many ways, she remains optimistic about the future. She continues to advocate by working on the board of The Australian Addison’s Disease Association. They are a wealth of information and support for people living with Addison’s disease.