To help raise awareness around hydrocortisone emergency injection kits, we ask you to #ShareYourKit. At the ADSHG we like to feature members of our amazing community, as they show us how they store and carry their kit, to help encourage us to keep our kits with us at all times and normalise this potentially scary situation. 

Here Hannah, who works for the Police in the Tactical Firearms Unit, shows us how she stores her kit. 

Meet Hannah 

I was diagnosed with Addison’s disease in 2017. I suffered with the symptoms for several years leading up to this, always wondering why my life was so physically difficult compared to others. Once diagnosed and medicated, I felt like I had a whole new life! I excelled in my fitness, in my career and my personal life.  

I'm now a Firearms Officer in the Police, and my husband and I had our first child together. I look after and manage my Addison’s, but I will never let it stop me from living my life to the fullest. 

My Kit #ShareYourKit

I carry mine with me at work and my colleagues know how to help if I have a crisis whilst on a job. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask for help! 

How do you manage your job and life whilst living with a serious condition?  

I try to keep to a fairly strict routine with my diet, exercising 5 days a week and always ensuring I get enough sleep and rest. My job is very demanding, both physically and mentally, plus I have a toddler at home to look after. Some days I have to take an extra day of rest; I listen to my body and if I'm having a 'slow' day, then I won't exercise and have a day on the sofa instead. On these days, I'm lucky that my husband will look after me and be on my beck and call!  

I never miss a meal! My diet is a healthy and generous one. My friends often laugh at how much I eat! But I find if I'm late to a meal, the symptoms kick in, particularly the low blood pressure.  

My colleagues are aware of my condition, and I show them my kit every now and then so that they're aware of it. 

"I always carry extra meds at work, so that if/when I find myself in a very volatile or stressful situation, I can take extra on-scene. The key is to listen to your body." 

How do you remember to take your tablets?  

I have alarms on my watch to remind me to take my tablets. I also have an underactive thyroid so I keep my meds next to my bed with water. The moment I wake up, I take my meds and then snooze for 30 minutes, usually with my daughter jumping on me, until I can go and eat my breakfast!  

 
Do you modify your doses for demanding days? 

Yes, I also have to modify them slightly depending on what shift I am working. If I find myself in a stressful situation at work, I will take 5mg at the time. 

For my shifts, sometimes I will drag out my final dose of the day. My normal doses are 15mg when I first wake up, 10mg at 12:00 and 10mg at 18:00. For example if I'm working 18:00-03:00, my final dose I will take 5mg at 18:00 and the other 5mg at around 22:00. This seems to work well for me.  

What would your advice be to the newly diagnosed Hannah?   

Don't push yourself too much, rest is so important both physically and mentally. Remember to take 5 minutes for yourself. 

Author: Hannah Tactical Firearms Officer in the Police Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannah.frost778

Thank you Hannah for sharing your kit with us! So join us, if you’d like to #ShareYourKit, please get in touch. Or share online now! Use the hashtag #ShareYourKit and tag us in your social media posts to raise awareness! 

Submit your #ShareYourKit to be featured and raise awareness!

Learn more about emergency injection kits

This article was first published in the Winter 2022 edition of the ADSHG magazine.

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, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.