Monday, June 29, 2009

Melissa (Melissa G), undiagnosed bio

I have not been diagnosed yet. As a matter of fact my 24 hour cortisol test came back "within the normal range".

But I am convinced after reading all the symptoms as well as other's experiences, that I DO have Cushing's. I think I may have had it for the past 10 years. I can remember going to my doctor at first complaining and thinking that maybe I had a possible immune disorder because I was so exhausted and would literally get sick (bronchitis, flu like symptoms etc..) after beginning a new exercise regimen. of course he would tell me it was a coincidence but yet it kept happening EVERY time for years and years.

Now mind you, I used to be a competitive figure skater, taught skating, was always very thin (size 2-4) and ate healthy. I'm not saying I never ate pizza or a brownie or anything like that, but I love vegetables and can count the number of times I’ve eaten fast food (BK, McDonalds etc..) in the past 10 years on 1 hand. Yet I started gaining weight....first it was 10 lbs, then held, then it was 20, and held...then the next thing you knew it was 30 more lbs POW! in like 3 months!

I am at this moment in time 90 lbs heavier than I was when I got married 13 years ago and it is still creeping up! I was always very shapely, even when I was thin, had the hourglass figure with a very thin waist. Now I look like I'm 9 months pregnant!

My hair is thinning (but the doctor doesn't think so because my hair is still thicker than most) I have acne problems even though I NEVER had them as a teenager??? I have a moon face, hump on my back, purple (not to dark, but still gross!) stretch marks, diarrhea alternated by horrible constipation, migraines, bloated, bruising, lots of pain..oh and did I mention the constant sinus and repertory infections?

There are days when I just hurt everywhere! Also, depression, anxiety..I could go on and on. Let me make this clear, I DON'T WANT TO BE SICK! But the fact of the matter is that I am. I am not crazy, it is not all in my head, I am not lazy and just eating too much. I do not choose to be so exhausted that I have a hard time keeping my eyes open when driving to work or to even lift my arms to wash my hair.

Something is wrong with me!!! I think the big problem is that sometimes I feel ok, my energy comes back for a little while, I don't feel as bloated, the weight gain seems to slow down or stop and for a short time I almost feel "normal". This is how I felt when I did the 24 urine test, could that be why it came back as within normal levels? My PCP ordered the test and I have an appointment with an endocronologist on 7/29. I don't think I can handle another doctor telling me nothing is wrong with me.

Email Melissa

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