Beverly (bookyeti), undiagnosed bio
31 year old female, happily married, no children, owner/operator of at-home business (bookbinding) --- Loves reading, writing, bookbinding, camping, hiking/walking, kayaking, canoeing, photography, learning the guitar, singing, volunteer work
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed -- on a symptom & blood test basis -- with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. However, recent ultrasound results show no cysts on my ovaries; to quote my doctor “they’re pristine!” While I do believe I am Insulin Resistant, I believe PCOS is not causing my plethora of horrible symptoms...
After much research, I have found almost ALL of my symptoms point to Cushing’s. You could say I look the part, as well...large buffalo hump, and moonface, after gaining about 70 lbs. over the course of about 5-6 years (despite a restricted calorie diet, 1500mg Metformin daily, and exercise). I have never had weight problems before. I’ve led an active healthy life and have never I stored any access weight in my mid-section, upper back or face/neck ...but that all changed about 6 years ago. My body has been transformed right before my eyes, and I no longer recognize myself. I’ve been told many times by doctors and endos that I just need to lose weight and I’ll feel better; but weight loss is nearly impossible, despite following dietitians nutritional guidelines and exercising. I will lose 5 lbs. and the next week, for no apparent reason, those pounds will be back. I was prescribed the highest dose of Metformin that my doctor gives out (1500mg/daily) and although it has helped with some of my IR symptoms (acne, appetite), others serious ones persist.
I have a doctor's appointment coming up and will be asking for a battery of tests to either diagnose or rule out Cushing's. I am so frustrated and want to finally know what is going on with my body and hopefully get an idea of what can be done!
Beverly added a second version of her bio:
Hello everyone, my name is Beverly. I am so thankful to have found this board. I’m 31 years old, happily married (no children), and living on the east cost of Canada.
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed -- on a symptom basis -- with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. However, my testosterone levels are normal and recent ultrasound results show no cysts on my ovaries; to quote my doctor “they’re pristine!” While I do believe I am Insulin Resistant, I believe PCOS is not causing my plethora of horrible symptoms.
After much research, I have found almost ALL of my symptoms point to Cushing’s. You could say I look the part, as well...large buffalo hump, and moonface, after gaining about 70 lbs. over the course of about 5-6 years (despite a restricted calorie diet, 1500mg Metformin daily, and exercise). I have never had weight problems before. I’ve led an active healthy life and have never I stored any access weight in my mid-section, upper back or face/neck ...but that all changed about 6 years ago. My body has been transformed right before my eyes, and I no longer recognize myself. I’ve been told many times that I just need to lose weight and I’ll feel better; but weight loss is nearly impossible, despite following dietitians' nutritional guidelines and exercising. I will lose 5 lbs. and the next week (or next day), for no apparent reason, those pounds will be back. I was prescribed the highest does of Metformin that my doctor gives out (1500mg/daily) and although it has helped with some of my IR symptoms (acne, appetite), others serious ones persist.
My LONG list of symptoms are...
• Extremely Heavy Menses: started gradually from 5 years ago
• Extreme Menstrual Pain
• “Buffalo hump” Pronounced hump at the base of my neck. Tender and sore at times.
• Central obesity I have gained approx. 70 pounds in 6 years, gaining weight for over 9 years, notably in my abdominal area, upper back, and face area without any explainable reason (no extreme changes to activity level or diet)
• Hypertension. despite Metformin use
• Ultrasound denoted signs of Fatty Liver
• Ultrasound showed no cysts on ovaries
• Severe fatigue, weak muscles, lack of energy. “Hollow” empty feeling is how I can best describe it.
• Cystic facial acne (especially along jaw line, chest, back and pubic area) – have found that Metformin somewhat controls it.
• Roundness/puffiness of the face around cheeks/neck. Some days swelling is not as noticeable, while other days are very noticeable. Cheeks very round and unusual fullness around upper neck.
• Pink/purple stretch marks on the abdomen and upper hips/thighs and sides of breasts
• Headaches. Rarely had them before (less than a couple times per year), but have been getting them more in the past 1-2 years. At least twice a week if not more. Ibuprofen is used to manage the pain.
• Water retention and bloating so severe that I can gain 1-2 dress sizes in a day and lose it the next
• Inability to lose weight
• Elevated Triglycerides and Cholesterol
• Decreased libido.
• Increased Appetite – controlled with Metformin
• Flushing in chest area (bright red blotchy skin) even if cold
• Mood swings/Irritability. Sometimes content. Sometimes screaming and violent (throwing things). Very irritable. Easily upset. Little things set me off. Overwhelmed by the life's daily requirements. Frustrated easily. Totally against character for me.
• Occasional Blurry vision. There are times when I just can’t see clearly out of my glasses or contacts. I blink a few times, and my vision returns in 1-2 minutes. Recent eye exam indicates vision has not changed significantly.
• Bumping into things. Run into low objects, scrape door frames very regularly. Unsteady gait and balance issues.
• Stuttering. I feel like my brain is working faster than my mouth, and I stutter to get words and sentences out.
• Increased sweating – didn’t sweat much up until this year, I’m starting to notice a marked increase
• Depression, anxiety, isolation. Easily overwhelmed by change and stress.
• Locking finger – requires brace a night to keep it straight and prevent it from locking in a bent position (started 2 years ago).
• Swelling. Moderate swelling at times in my feet (ankles sometimes “disappear”)
• Uncomfortable at night with occasional hot flashes
• Frequent urge to urinate at night almost always at 4 a.m.
• Restless during sleep. Never feeling well-rested. More snoring in the past 2 years.
• More facial hair under chin and eye brows than normal. No other hirsutism noted.
• Darkening of skin between my upper thighs, arm pits, back of neck, under breasts
• Bruising easily. Slow healing. Mosquito bites, cuts, and scrapes take longer to heal and bruises last longer.
• Dry skin on arms and especially legs. Skin is extremely dry and scaly.
• Skin thin and sensitive in areas
• Thinning hair in areas (in the front)
• Rash – frequent small colorless bumps on backs of hands - no allergens known
• Chronic Diarrhea
• 'Normal' thyroid panel (taken in 2005) despite symptoms of mental and physical sluggishness, heat sensitivity, cold intolerance (hands and feet), fatigue, brittle/weak fingernails, dark circles under eyes.
• Low core body temperature
• Susceptible to Infections: I always seem to be sick. I catch whatever is going around. Weak immune system.
• Eye twitching, intermittent
I have noticed that a lot of these symptoms are casebook Cushing's. I have a doctor's appointment next week (July 23/09) and I am arming myself to the hilt with all my symptoms, my health history, and photos (as horrible as they are) to get some answers. I am almost certain that Cushing's is the culprit and will be asking for a battery of detailed tests to get to the bottom of this one way or the other.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. :) I have been encouraged by all your stories and successes and continuing battles against this horrible disease. I hope I will have some positive news to share soon.
Email Beverly
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed -- on a symptom & blood test basis -- with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. However, recent ultrasound results show no cysts on my ovaries; to quote my doctor “they’re pristine!” While I do believe I am Insulin Resistant, I believe PCOS is not causing my plethora of horrible symptoms...
After much research, I have found almost ALL of my symptoms point to Cushing’s. You could say I look the part, as well...large buffalo hump, and moonface, after gaining about 70 lbs. over the course of about 5-6 years (despite a restricted calorie diet, 1500mg Metformin daily, and exercise). I have never had weight problems before. I’ve led an active healthy life and have never I stored any access weight in my mid-section, upper back or face/neck ...but that all changed about 6 years ago. My body has been transformed right before my eyes, and I no longer recognize myself. I’ve been told many times by doctors and endos that I just need to lose weight and I’ll feel better; but weight loss is nearly impossible, despite following dietitians nutritional guidelines and exercising. I will lose 5 lbs. and the next week, for no apparent reason, those pounds will be back. I was prescribed the highest dose of Metformin that my doctor gives out (1500mg/daily) and although it has helped with some of my IR symptoms (acne, appetite), others serious ones persist.
I have a doctor's appointment coming up and will be asking for a battery of tests to either diagnose or rule out Cushing's. I am so frustrated and want to finally know what is going on with my body and hopefully get an idea of what can be done!
Beverly added a second version of her bio:
Hello everyone, my name is Beverly. I am so thankful to have found this board. I’m 31 years old, happily married (no children), and living on the east cost of Canada.
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed -- on a symptom basis -- with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. However, my testosterone levels are normal and recent ultrasound results show no cysts on my ovaries; to quote my doctor “they’re pristine!” While I do believe I am Insulin Resistant, I believe PCOS is not causing my plethora of horrible symptoms.
After much research, I have found almost ALL of my symptoms point to Cushing’s. You could say I look the part, as well...large buffalo hump, and moonface, after gaining about 70 lbs. over the course of about 5-6 years (despite a restricted calorie diet, 1500mg Metformin daily, and exercise). I have never had weight problems before. I’ve led an active healthy life and have never I stored any access weight in my mid-section, upper back or face/neck ...but that all changed about 6 years ago. My body has been transformed right before my eyes, and I no longer recognize myself. I’ve been told many times that I just need to lose weight and I’ll feel better; but weight loss is nearly impossible, despite following dietitians' nutritional guidelines and exercising. I will lose 5 lbs. and the next week (or next day), for no apparent reason, those pounds will be back. I was prescribed the highest does of Metformin that my doctor gives out (1500mg/daily) and although it has helped with some of my IR symptoms (acne, appetite), others serious ones persist.
My LONG list of symptoms are...
• Extremely Heavy Menses: started gradually from 5 years ago
• Extreme Menstrual Pain
• “Buffalo hump” Pronounced hump at the base of my neck. Tender and sore at times.
• Central obesity I have gained approx. 70 pounds in 6 years, gaining weight for over 9 years, notably in my abdominal area, upper back, and face area without any explainable reason (no extreme changes to activity level or diet)
• Hypertension. despite Metformin use
• Ultrasound denoted signs of Fatty Liver
• Ultrasound showed no cysts on ovaries
• Severe fatigue, weak muscles, lack of energy. “Hollow” empty feeling is how I can best describe it.
• Cystic facial acne (especially along jaw line, chest, back and pubic area) – have found that Metformin somewhat controls it.
• Roundness/puffiness of the face around cheeks/neck. Some days swelling is not as noticeable, while other days are very noticeable. Cheeks very round and unusual fullness around upper neck.
• Pink/purple stretch marks on the abdomen and upper hips/thighs and sides of breasts
• Headaches. Rarely had them before (less than a couple times per year), but have been getting them more in the past 1-2 years. At least twice a week if not more. Ibuprofen is used to manage the pain.
• Water retention and bloating so severe that I can gain 1-2 dress sizes in a day and lose it the next
• Inability to lose weight
• Elevated Triglycerides and Cholesterol
• Decreased libido.
• Increased Appetite – controlled with Metformin
• Flushing in chest area (bright red blotchy skin) even if cold
• Mood swings/Irritability. Sometimes content. Sometimes screaming and violent (throwing things). Very irritable. Easily upset. Little things set me off. Overwhelmed by the life's daily requirements. Frustrated easily. Totally against character for me.
• Occasional Blurry vision. There are times when I just can’t see clearly out of my glasses or contacts. I blink a few times, and my vision returns in 1-2 minutes. Recent eye exam indicates vision has not changed significantly.
• Bumping into things. Run into low objects, scrape door frames very regularly. Unsteady gait and balance issues.
• Stuttering. I feel like my brain is working faster than my mouth, and I stutter to get words and sentences out.
• Increased sweating – didn’t sweat much up until this year, I’m starting to notice a marked increase
• Depression, anxiety, isolation. Easily overwhelmed by change and stress.
• Locking finger – requires brace a night to keep it straight and prevent it from locking in a bent position (started 2 years ago).
• Swelling. Moderate swelling at times in my feet (ankles sometimes “disappear”)
• Uncomfortable at night with occasional hot flashes
• Frequent urge to urinate at night almost always at 4 a.m.
• Restless during sleep. Never feeling well-rested. More snoring in the past 2 years.
• More facial hair under chin and eye brows than normal. No other hirsutism noted.
• Darkening of skin between my upper thighs, arm pits, back of neck, under breasts
• Bruising easily. Slow healing. Mosquito bites, cuts, and scrapes take longer to heal and bruises last longer.
• Dry skin on arms and especially legs. Skin is extremely dry and scaly.
• Skin thin and sensitive in areas
• Thinning hair in areas (in the front)
• Rash – frequent small colorless bumps on backs of hands - no allergens known
• Chronic Diarrhea
• 'Normal' thyroid panel (taken in 2005) despite symptoms of mental and physical sluggishness, heat sensitivity, cold intolerance (hands and feet), fatigue, brittle/weak fingernails, dark circles under eyes.
• Low core body temperature
• Susceptible to Infections: I always seem to be sick. I catch whatever is going around. Weak immune system.
• Eye twitching, intermittent
I have noticed that a lot of these symptoms are casebook Cushing's. I have a doctor's appointment next week (July 23/09) and I am arming myself to the hilt with all my symptoms, my health history, and photos (as horrible as they are) to get some answers. I am almost certain that Cushing's is the culprit and will be asking for a battery of detailed tests to get to the bottom of this one way or the other.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. :) I have been encouraged by all your stories and successes and continuing battles against this horrible disease. I hope I will have some positive news to share soon.
Email Beverly
Labels: Beverly, bios, not yet diagnosed, PCOS
posted by MaryO at
8:24 AM
1 Comments:
your symptoms sound *exactly* like mine. hope you find some answers!
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home