And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
I went in for a very late annual ob/gyn appointment (6 years late) and it was discovered that I had an enlarged thyroid gland. TSH and FSH tests were ordered (FSH because I had very sporatic periods) and was referred to Endocrinologist and internist, Dr. Nick Clarke out of Hillsboro.
In the interim I got set up with a GP who ordered blood tests for TSH, T4, T3, a Globulin binding test, and a RIA or Radioactive Iodine Uptake test. The T3 and T4 came back normal, and the thyroid came back enlarged but without nodules. The TSH for the second time came in very low (.01 and .03mcg). Dr. Clarke looked at the tests and thought I had hyperthyroidism but with that comes weight loss, and I was reporting unexplained weight gain.
After examination he found I have as he put it, "unusual fatty deposits above my clavical" and a fat stomach that makes me look pregnant. He's ordered a 24 hour urine test for calcium and cortisol levels, along with another blood test for vitamin D levels.
I'll hear back in another week for the final diagnosis and I'm sure further tests for location of the tumor. I'm glad that I haven't had to wait as long as some of the others with stories of many years before someone listened.
On a side note, my ob/gyn grabbed my stomach fat at my annual exam, shook it and told me I needed to get rid of that. I was so offended when she assumed that my body was available for that rude treatment. As a general rule, not including during pregnancy, I have always had a thin and trim physique. I also was an aerobic instructor for 8 years so it's not like I'm unaccustomed to exercise. I wish I could make my ob go through the same treatment so she could see how it made me feel.
I've read a lot about what others have gone through to get diagnosed, but not as much about the recovery and if all the symptoms go away eventually. I would really like to own a crystal ball right now!
