A mother of one spoke to her Newsweek about living with Addison’s disease, which recently contributed to the death of TikTok star Taylor Rousseau Grigg.

Laura Bates, 44, was diagnosed with the rare disease almost two decades ago. The adrenal glands of people with Addison’s disease do not produce enough of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and low blood pressure.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, about one in 100,000 people in the United States suffer from the disease, but many are unfamiliar with it. Google searches for the disease increased dramatically after Griggs’ cause of death was announced on October 10.

Bates shared her experience with Addison’s disease – which can progress slowly or quickly, often because the immune system attacks the adrenal glands – and her compassion for Grigg.

“The recent death of Taylor Rousseau Grigg is so tragic and highlights how severe the impact of this disease can be on a patient and their family,” Bates said.

“Her asthma was clearly a contributing factor, and unfortunately when it comes to autoimmune diseases, people seem to have more than one. Any flare-up of my other condition, Behcet’s disease, will ultimately lead to Addison’s complications, making life a constant juggling act.”

Grigg reportedly died from complications of asthma and Addison’s disease. On October 5, Griggs’ husband Cameron shared the news of her death on Instagram, writing, “No one ever expects to have to deal with this kind of pain and heartbreak, especially at our age. “Over the past year, Taylor has struggled with more pain and suffering than most people in their lives.”

The disease, which is difficult to diagnose, can be problematic for those affected because the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly the vital cortisol. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says it may also affect some people’s diets, as they may need a diet high in sodium. Anyone taking cortisol replacement medication also needs adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. A doctor or nutritionist can advise on appropriate intake levels.

Bates, the co-director of Ink & Ivy PR, said: “When the body fails to produce cortisol during illness, injury or emotional stress, it eventually goes into shock, leading to organ failure and cardiac arrest.”

“My main symptoms were extreme, bone-aching fatigue, weakness, unintentional weight loss, thirst, salt cravings, dizziness and low blood pressure. I later noticed patches of discolored skin, particularly on my legs. This is called ‘Addison’s syndrome tan.'”

Bates, who lives in Norfolk, England, was diagnosed in the early 2000s and has been on hormone replacement therapy ever since. However, she emphasizes that this is not a complete solution.

She has to be careful when it comes to raising her cortisol levels as she has been hospitalized more than once for an illness or a cold.

“Addison’s is by far the more difficult disease to treat. From a medication perspective, it’s pretty simple: I replace the cortisol my body would produce with pills or, in times of crisis, a hydrocortisone injection. I have to carry it.” I always carried this with me and was trained in how to use it. The problem is understanding what affects my health and body and when I need to increase my cortisol dosage.

“I’ve had to learn when I need extra cortisol cover and adjust my life to make sure I don’t put myself in unnecessarily dangerous situations that would lead to illness or injury, so skiing is off limits,” she said.

The single mother has developed coping strategies for emotional stress and everyday life. However, because life is unpredictable, there are times when increased dosage or injections are necessary.

“Addison’s disease is treatable and manageable, but it also progresses dangerously quickly to serious illness and even death. “I can’t afford to ever miss a dose of medication or not get an emergency shot,” she said.

“However, Addison’s will not stop me from living a fulfilling life. If John F. Kennedy can become president with this disease, anything must be possible. “It is simply heartbreaking that Taylor Rousseau Grigg is now unable to fulfill her potential as president as a result of this illness.”

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