And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
I am the fiancé of a 22 year old man who was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease today. (Tuesday 2/6/02)
On 2/1/02 (Friday, just 5 days earlier) he went to his family doctor (Dr. Morris Taub) for a routine check-up on his liver (he has a seizure disorder and takes Dilantin and Depakote). His doctor noticed that his blood pressure was high (160 over 110).
When my fiancé took off his shirt, revealing his bright striae, the doctor immediately said "You have Cushing's Disease" He proceeded to ask my fiancé if he had the appropriate symptoms. My fiancé answered yes to nearly all of them. The doctor immediately gave him blood pressure meds, and a single pill to take on Sunday evening. My fiancé went in Monday morning and had a blood test taken. Tuesday the results were sent to the doctor, and today (Wednesday) the doctor said it came back positive.
My fiancé was given the name and number of a local endocrinologist that had apparently worked with the sister in law of the nurse who worked at Dr. Taub's office. The sister in law apparently also had Cushing's (pituitary) and had the surgery which was successful.
My fiancé is to call the endocrinologist tomorrow to set up an appointment so she can order the CT and MRI. Once they know where the tumor is, its off to the surgeon. That's all it took, 5 days. I have read so many horror stories on the internet about people being given the run around and doctor's not knowing what they are doing, inadequate tests, insurance companies not authorizing the necessary tests and treatments. All I can say is it is ridiculous!
I am so thankful my fiancé had a PPO and an informed Dr. who didn't cut corners and brush him off. My heart goes out to all of you who are struggling and fighting to get the help you need. If you would like the names and locations of the doctors and surgeons involved in helping with my fiancé's diagnosis, I would be happy to provide them to you. In the meantime, my fiancé and I are unsure as to when the surgery will be performed, and how long of a recovery it will be.
Our wedding is 3 and a 1/2 months away...
