Liv’s Story: My Path from Adrenal Crisis to Yoga Practice

Twelve years ago, when I was 17, I began the new year in hospital after suffering an adrenal crisis at home. Leading up to that moment, I had been feeling very unwell. I visited my GP, but given my age and it being winter, we assumed it was a seasonal virus. Looking back, there were so many signs that something more was happening, but it wasn’t until I was hospitalised that we realised how serious it was.

Tests revealed my sodium levels were dangerously low. Unfortunately, correcting the sodium imbalance too rapidly caused further damage before I could begin healing. My brain absorbed the sodium too quickly, leading to swelling, and I was put in an induced coma for recovery. When I woke up, I had to relearn basic functions like walking and talking which meant four months in hospital. I thought the worst was behind me, but I had no idea that my diagnosis of Addison’s disease would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey with a chronic illness, one I would have to learn to manage day by day.  

Facing My Diagnosis 

After my diagnosis, I turned to Google, hoping to understand what this new reality meant for me. The information I found left me scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Could I still attend university? Would I ever feel healthy again? The future seemed unclear, and I longed for the comfort of knowing that things would eventually get better. If only I could go back to that scared, fragile version of myself and remind her that, although years lay ahead, she was about to learn so much about herself along the way. 

Beginning My Recovery and Learning to Live With Addison’s 

When I left the hospital, I was weak, and recovery felt painfully slow. I was fortunate enough to know someone with a background in Pilates, yoga, and personal training who came to my home daily to help me with low-impact movement. This helped rebuild my strength and mobility. Slowly, I regained enough energy to repeat my final year of sixth form, attend university, and, most importantly, start learning how to manage my symptoms and live a more independent life. 

Advice on Exercise & Addison's

Over time, managing my medication began to feel natural, almost effortless compared to the early days. There were inevitably still flare-ups, but they became less frequent as time went on. I even chose to get a medical alert tattoo, a symbol that gave me a new sense of independence when I was living away from home. For me, it was an act of acceptance, a way of honouring my chronic illness rather than hiding or running from it. 

ADSHG Note: Tattoo's are deeply meaningful experiences for many, however medical guidance is tattoos should be used alongside official medical alert identification, such as medical jewellery and a steroid alert card. This is because in an emergency, healthcare professionals cannot rely on tattoos alone, as they may be missed, unclear, or outdated. Official medical alert identification should always include your name so your condition can be quickly and accurately confirmed. Read more.

Discovering Yoga 

At university, I was excited to finally feel some sense of normalcy. However, after choosing to stop drinking to reduce flare-ups and seizures related to swelling from the brain injury, I found it difficult to unwind with the stresses of academic life. That was when I joined the university’s yoga class. For the first time in a long time, I found a space where my mind could be fully present, even if only one hour a week. Yoga became a lifeline for me, and I fell in love with the practice. I began attending classes at various studios around Sheffield, making sure to go to at least two or three times a week to maintain that mental clarity. 

Yoga During the Pandemic 

When the pandemic hit, I moved back home to finish my final semester online. Yoga from home quickly became a daily ritual, and I even began developing my own self-guided practice. My original plan was to move to London after completing a year in industry as part of my course, but after weighing my options, I chose to move to Newcastle, a place closer to home yet still offering the independence of city life. I quickly connected with several yoga studios in Newcastle and was thrilled to immerse myself in practice again. 

Considering and Stepping into Yoga Teacher Training 

One evening, about a year into my life in Newcastle, I stumbled upon a yoga teacher training opportunity at one of my favourite studios. I never imagined I would teach yoga, I was simply curious about deepening my practice. But as I considered the idea, something sparked within me. What if I could turn something I loved into a career? Around the same time, I joined a new gym. During my induction, I mentioned that I was working part-time and completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training course. To my surprise, they were looking for instructors. I was nervous, unsure, and filled with self-doubt, but I couldn’t ignore the possibility. Could I actually teach yoga for a living? 

For someone who had spent the past decade in the service and hospitality industry, this was a foreign idea. But I loved connecting with people, and I realised the skills I had built in customer service, combined with my new yoga knowledge, could create something beautiful. I decided to take the leap. I scheduled my first class just a week after completing my training. The nerves were real. I made mistakes and learned on the go, but gradually everything became more natural. Over time, teaching no longer felt like work, it felt like a privilege. I started small, teaching one class a week on Saturday mornings, but that soon grew as I gradually added more sessions into my schedule. 

Growing in Confidence and Opportunity 

Just over two years into my teaching journey, I was fortunate enough to connect with another studio that was looking for maternity cover for the management of their space in Morpeth. My schedule expanded to 13 classes a week, along with admin and housekeeping duties. It offered me a real insight into what running my own studio could one day feel like.

I felt incredibly grateful for the trust they placed in me and for the chance to grow in ways I never expected. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to unfold exactly as it was meant to, gently guiding me towards a path that felt more aligned with who I was becoming. 

Managing Addison’s as a Yoga Teacher 

Yoga, I’ve learned, doesn’t end when you step off the mat. It is about being aware, without judgment, of where your mind and body are and giving them what they need in that moment. I now teach not only for the love of yoga, but because I know first hand the power it has to transform lives. Holding space for others, just as I once found space for myself on the mat, is a gift I cherish. 

Looking Back: A Decade of Growth 

During the 11 years since my diagnosis, I feel as though I’ve found my calling. I’ve changed career paths, embraced sobriety, and learned to truly honour my health, my body, and my mind. I’ve also met my partner, who lives with a chronic illness too. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, but I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family, my friends, my partner, and my yoga teachers. I’m eternally grateful to be where I am today.

I hope my story encourages anyone navigating a new diagnosis, or anyone considering yoga as a way to support their body and their condition, to know that healing and strength are possible. 

We ask Liv our most asked "Addison's Admin" questions here at ADSHG!

How do you remember to take your tablets? 

My first dose starts with my morning alarm at 8am, so taking my medication quickly became part of my morning routine. When I was first diagnosed, I set reminders for my lunchtime and evening doses as well. After ten years, it has become second nature and remembering my medication each day feels much easier. 

How do you carry your injection kit? 

I use a small travel kit that fits comfortably in my handbag, so it comes with me everywhere, on dog walks, to classes, and when I’m driving. I used to carry just the box and needles, but they became damaged over time. The travel kit keeps everything protected, including the medication and sharps, and my partner always knows where it is too. 

What type of medical alert identification do you have? 

I started with a necklace and a bracelet. I also have a medic alert tattoo. It gave me a new sense of independence when I was living away from home. For me, it was an act of acceptance, a way of honouring my chronic illness rather than hiding or running from it. 

ADSHG Note: Tattoo's are deeply meaningful experiences for many, however medical guidance is tattoos should be used alongside official medical alert identification, such as medical jewellery and a steroid alert card. This is because in an emergency, healthcare professionals cannot rely on tattoos alone, as they may be missed, unclear, or outdated. Official medical alert identification should always include your name so your condition can be quickly and accurately confirmed. Read more.

Author: Liv Whittingham

To hear more from Liv, you can follow her on Instagram at @livaliveyoga or visit her Facebook page LivWhittYoga 

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years - please join our community and support our cause! You'll receive the latest expert advice, guidance and ADSHG news, whilst being part of our inspiring and supportive community. Become a member today! 

Join the ADSHG 

Connect on social media! Follow us on X/Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.