After the cancer treatment, I returned to full-time work. I knew a desk job wouldn’t cut it, steroids and immunotherapy side effects meant I needed to stay active to manage my weight and joint pain.

I found my place in A&E. With years of experience as a Support Worker, giving back to the NHS just felt right.

The Reality of Brain Fog

On many occasions, I found myself sitting across from a doctor, receiving lots of information, my head felt like it was going to spin off. You leave with scraps of memory and a summary letter.

Managing Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency (SAI) alongside a return to work is exhausting. Finding a life balance while navigating complex medical advice and ongoing appointments felt nearly impossible.

The Night Shift Trap

When I started working nights, I felt invincible. The steroids gave me a surge of energy – it felt like a new lease of life. I was bouncing off the walls and loving the quiet, focused pace that suited my autism perfectly.

Then, the crash happened.

Twice, I felt like I had a devastating case of the flu. At one point I was convinced it was Covid, but the test was negative. A colleague asked the question: “Does this always happen after your night shifts?”

Understanding Adrenal Crisis

My endocrinology nurse confirmed that the physical toll of night shifts was sending me into Adrenal Crisis, a life-threatening situation.

While SAI and Addison’s Disease are different, they both require strict steroid management. Long 12-hour shifts and overnight work are often incompatible with these conditions.

What’s Next?

I am currently working with Occupational Health and my medical team to find a path forward. I have so much to give, and I am determined to stay within the NHS in a role that respects my health limits.