And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
Whee1 where to start!. During 2002 noticed that I had extreme daily hair loss, weight gain even while on diet, depression and general feeling of not being well and decreased sleep and change in sleep pattern. Went to a psychologist who said I was "sane" and diagnosed me with depression related to organic disease.. but what? the fatigue increased - looked like a walking zombie and could barely make it through the day. I worked in a very high powered job. Started experiencing rapid heartbeat - and landed up twice in the ER. Before going to the cardiologist I had a chest xray and saw a shadow on my lung. As an ex-smoker I was concerned and ordered a CT with contrast. I am an RN with a background in Oncology. to cut a long story short, landed up at the oncologist who agreed with me regarding the need for a biopsy. I had to fire my GP who told me to wait another 6 months and do a repeat. I diagnosed myself with a carcinoid tumor, had the upper part of my right lung removed.
I kept on complaining of increased symptoms - moon face, fatigue, headaches, joint pain etc. Got diagnosed with sleep apnea. My oncologist pooh poohed everything but further staining of my lung tumor indicated that it was secreting ACTH - Cushings!
Had a brain MRI - my sella is totally empty and I have a 7mm tumor - not sure what even after 3 MRI's. Had a full endocrine workup - the endocrinologist siad everything was fine! HA! Turned out I have Hashimoto's with thyroid cancer - just had that removed. My thyroid was so swollen including the lymph nodes which made me suspicious for metastases- that they could not visulize the Recurrent Nerve - so now I have permanent vocal cord damage and cannot work.
Before this I decided to go to see Dr Friedman. What a blessing. I have adrenal insufficiency, he thinks intermittent Cushings from another carcinoid tumor, who knows where and extreme growth hormone deficiency. I need to have the pituitary tumor removed but am awaiting recovery after my thyroid operation.
I feel terrible - cannot really function, cry all the time, have severe headaches, joint aches, nausea etc. I hope and pray that the pituitary operation will fix up my problems.
