Mike,
I'm another member of the 40+ male club w/ CAH. I'm 21-hydroxylase def, but do not waste salt. I have 3 healthy kids who do not have CAH. We genetically tested their mother prior to conception. All my kids are carriers, however, and will address the possibility of passing on the mutation when they become adults. While my endo during my teens was concerned about my fertility, it obviously proved unwarranted. My wife and I were blessed with ready fertility.
I was on Prednisone during childhood and adolescence, then hydrocortinsone from college through age 40 (60 mg daily), but like you, my levels went out of whack. Labs last year revealed I was way undersupressed, so I switched to longer-lasting prednisone. I'm now on 12.5 mg. daily (7.5 AM, 5 PM). Many on this board have expressed shock at my daily dose, but I remain undersuppressed.
It's worth noting that I'm very active. I exercise almost daily, coach two Little League teams, etc. My health has always been good, I'm rarely sick, and I've honestly never felt better in my adult life. I agree with you about being careful with alcohol for a host of reasons, but moderation is the key.
I look forward to corresponding and sharing experiences if you would like. Since we seem to be some of the "old timers" on this board (I'm 43), I hope we reassure others on this board that a happy, healthy, productive life is possible with CAH. Yes, I've had many issues with it over the years, including several crises, etc., but it's just part of life, at least life with CAH.
Take care, Eric
