Since then, she’s learned to adapt, listen to her body, and find strength in vulnerability. On Instagram, Crystal documents her journey through her “All Things Addison’s” series, from managing flare-ups to tips for travelling the world. Here, she shares her story with the ADSHG community.

My first year as a personal trainer didn’t start as I’d imagined. I was constantly ill, struggled to get out of bed, and reached a point where I couldn’t walk upstairs without stopping halfway, gasping for breath. Demonstrating exercises to clients left me dizzy. I began questioning whether I was cut out for this active lifestyle I’d chosen.

After my partner’s persistent encouragement to keep returning to doctors, one evening changed everything. My doctor called during dinner: “You need to go to A&E immediately. Your cortisol is dangerously low, and I think you might have Addison’s disease.” The next day brought an official diagnosis, a handful of pills, and medical terminology I didn’t understand. I thought my life was over – that I’d never train, travel, or live actively again. However, six months of trialling different doses and medications later, I finally started to believe that training might be possible again.

For me, exercise and strength training is not just beneficial but essential for my future self. It offers benefits that extend far beyond looking good. Yes, I love feeling strong and having muscle – it gives me energy and confidence. But the medical benefits are what make training non-negotiable for me.

Crystal

In my four and a half years since diagnosis, I’ve experienced the full spectrum. There have been times when training was solid, when I was hitting new personal bests, when the gym was the highlight of my day. But there have also been periods of struggling to get out of bed, constant fatigue, joint pain, and more days not training than training.

For me, exercise and strength training is not just beneficial but essential for my future self. It offers benefits that extend far beyond looking good. Yes, I love feeling strong and having muscle – it gives me energy and confidence. But the medical benefits are what make training non-negotiable for me.

Crystal

Having a chronic illness taught me that recovery isn’t just helpful – it’s where you actually get stronger. My priorities have shifted:

Embrace JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out – sometimes saying no to plans means saying yes to looking after yourself.

Crystal

Two years ago, I decided to challenge myself with a powerlifting competition. Six months into properly following a program, I signed up for a competition focused on the three main lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift – something I never thought possible when first diagnosed.

For those unfamiliar with powerlifting, it’s a strength sport where competitors get three attempts at each lift, aiming for their maximum single rep. You’re judged on technique and given commands by referees – it’s about pure strength rather than endurance or aesthetics.

The training shifted dramatically to focus on these three lifts, building maximum strength through lower rep ranges and longer rest periods. My program became more structured around peaking for competition day, managing fatigue while still pushing boundaries. On competition day, nerves were high, but the powerlifting community’s support was incredible – strangers cheering for each other’s success. There’s something special about a sport where everyone wants you to succeed, regardless of the weight on the bar.

The experience taught me that having Addison’s doesn’t mean settling for less ambitious goals. You might need to plan differently, manage your energy more carefully, and listen to your body closely, but your goals are absolutely within reach.

Since then, I’ve competed in multiple fitness competitions combining strength and cardio elements. The message is clear: if you’re wondering “is it possible?” – the answer is absolutely yes.

Success with Addison’s and training requires the right people in your corner:

If you’re newly diagnosed and worried, know that the impossible is possible. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Find professionals who understand chronic conditions, build a support network, and remember that consistency trumps perfection.

First steps and advice for newly diagnosed people

Your Addison’s doesn’t define your limitations – it simply means you need to live smarter, not harder. The strength you’ll build, both physical and mental, will serve you for life.

Whatever goal feels impossible right now – whether it’s getting into the gym, hiking a mountain, returning to work, or simply having the energy to play with your children. It might look different than you originally imagined, but it’s absolutely achievable.

I put my pill box where I see it every morning and have phone reminders for my 12pm and 5pm doses.

I have a dedicated bag containing my emergency injection kit, extra medications, and medical letters for travel or hospital visits.

I have a medical ID set up on my phone for emergency situations.

Get your medical ID here

On Instagram, Crystal shares her experiences through her brilliant “All Things Addison’s” series. From managing flare-ups to tips for travelling the world, you can follow her at @crystallee.banks.

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