And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
Kim's photos. Click any thumbnail to view the larger image.
1997. I have always been a slim person until about 6 years ago when I developed endometriosis. I as put on Danazol which is a male hormone to control the 21-26 day periods I was having. I then had surgery to cauterize my uterus and no longer had to take any medication.
I put on some weight at that time (15lbs or so) but I was 120lb at the time and then went up to 135lbs. (I thought I was so fat - now I would dream to be that weight!)
I seemed to be OK until about 3 years ago when I developed a very round face, thick neck plus added about 30 lbs within a few months. My doctor thought it was thyroid but everything came back normal
A few months later, I discovered I had high blood pressure (158/118) and was very depressed. My father (at age 62) had died very suddenly (heart virus) and I assumed this was why I was depressed. It took 3 medications (all at once) to get my blood pressure under control plus I was taking an antidepressant. I had also developed arthritis and was taking Relafen for that (I was 36-37 years old at that time)
I now weigh 190lbs despite cutting down on fats etc. Have tried low carb with no personal success. I was referred to a high blood pressure clinic about 2 years ago and they referred me on to an endocrinologist. I have done the 24 hour urine plus dexamethasone suppression (1-day test). Apparently, I am high normal.
2000. My current symptoms are - weight gain-mostly abdomen, neck, bust, face, red stretch marks, depression, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatigue ++, arthritis, extremely low cholesterol, red face, easy bruising, poor healing (I still have bright purple marks from mosquito bites I scratched last summer!), possibly buffalo hump (I have a lot of fat across my upper back, neck). I see the endo again in April so I am not sure what will happen next.
Thank-you for all your hard work and support, but I have found I do not have Cushing's. I have been on a low carb diet for the past 4 months and have lost 38lbs. I still need blood pressure medication, but my depression has lifted, and I feel 100% better. I recommend anyone who still can't get a diagnosis to try cutting down on their carbohydrate intake. Atkins is too harsh, but cutting out White breads, white rice, potatoes, and sugar can really make a difference. I eat lots of vegetables, meat, fish, chicken, some fruit, cheese, and I feel great. I know you have my bio on your site and I don't know if you want to keep it there. Not everyone on your site will end up having Cushing's so it may be useful to add a note to mine that it turns out I had insulin resistance. Whatever you decide is fine with me. I still want to lose about 25lbs and would be happy to send you an updated picture if you want.
