@LSLJ One can have adrenal insufficiency which is not properly called Addison's Disease. The skin discoloration of Addison's is usually not seen in those with secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency.
Before an adrenal crisis occurs, however, symptoms tend to come on gradually. There may be chronic fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, weakness, cravings for salt, and frequent urination. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness on standing. And many people have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Pain deep within the back in the area of the kidneys (just below the rib cage) is possible.
If you crave salt it may be extremely important to drink some water with salt added. When someone has an adrenal crisis it involves a particular kind of electrolyte imbalance. One usually needs salt and water and it is important to avoid potassium which may be too high, a state which is known as hyperkalemia.
Likewise If you find that you have problems when eating a high potassium food such as potatoes, perhaps as in bowel upset, etc. you'd be wise to observe closely and possibly cut out all high potassium foods. There are many food lists online showing foods by potassium levels.
Notice if your nose is getting dry inside, like hard as a beak, rather than the normal pliable moist state. That may mean you need more salt water. If you notice these conditions an adrenal crisis may be imminent in those with dysfunctional adrenals.
It is important to eat regular meals and avoid hypoglycemia. Fasting could be disastrous.
Avoid being around anyone with infectious diseases and crowds to reduce exposure to disease as contracting a disease could be disastrous.
Illnesses, medical procedures, and surgery — The adrenal glands normally increase cortisol output when the body is stressed by illness, major medical procedures, or surgery. People with adrenal insufficiency do not have the ability to produce the cortisol demanded. But the adrenals will valiantly respond until they cannot. The risk of adrenal crisis increases as the adrenals try to respond to overwhelming demands. Rest and sleep are vital. Avoiding all stress is essential.
Avoid drinking common sports electrolyte drinks like Gatorade because they usually have potassium in them.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease-beyond-the-basics
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/cl...renal-insufficiency-in-adults?source=see_link
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/hyponatremia-and-hyperkalemia-in-adrenal-insufficiency
http://www.merckmanuals.com/profess...c-disorders/adrenal-disorders/addison-disease
Keep a log of what meds, supps, food and drinks you are consuming along with your reactions to observe patterns and determine potential causes. In an adrenal crisis you may not be able to communicate well and lose consciousness. This log may be helpful to those trying to diagnose you. Have some one check in with you regularly to make sure that you get emergency care as soon as possible if needed.
It takes a while for the adrenals and HPA axis to recover - months to years. Adrenals need some particular nutrients to function and recover, which is well covered in Dr Lam's book:
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome: Reclaim Your Energy and Vitality with Clinically Proven Natural Programs
I am not a doctor, but speak from unfortunate personal familiarity about this problem. I'm glad to hear you are researching this as it is quite a serious predicament. I do hope you find a good nutritionally oriented practitioner who will nurse your adrenals/hpa axis back to health.
The consequence of adrenal failure is pretty grim. One will be dependent upon corticosteroid and other meds for life, which do not come close to providing the many steroids which the adrenals normally produce and in the ways and times that the adrenals provide. Corticosteroid meds are very damaging but those with true Addison's Disease require them to survive since their adrenals are essentially non-functional.
Nursing adrenals back to health is the best possible outcome.
There are some medications which suppress adrenal function resulting in low cortisol, such as opiate drugs. It would be wise to check on any medications and drugs you have taken to see if this is a cause of adrenal suppression.