And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
When I was 5 years old I started going through puberty. I was being seen by my pediatrician and she was concerned for me but she did nothing for me. I would just go in for blood tests every 6 months to make sure that my human growth hormone was still being produced in the correct amount.
Meanwhile, because I was slightly over weight, I was sent to a dietician at 6. This pattern continued where I remained over weight and my hormones were ignored untill I was 14 and I went to see an obgyn because my periods were arriving every 2 weeks like clockwork. After some tests she diagnosed me with polycyctic ovarian syndrome, gave me birth control pills and reminded me to exercise. But all the while my symptoms got worse.
By the time I was 17 I had learned about a special doctor that deals with hormonal conditions called an endocrinologist. I had to fight and beg and threaten to finally get reffered to him but it worked. By this time I was gaining weight so rapidly, somewhere around 15 pounds a month. I was incredibly moody, I was having trouble sleeping and my skin was begining to tear. I talked with my new doctor and he agreed that I had PCOS and did nothing further.
Finally 1 week before my 18th birthday I got over my embarassment and finally showed him the strea on my stomach and he told me that he now thinks I have something called Cushings. Finally a real discovery with a real solution.
I went through pituitary surgery 3 months later and after a couple of rough months following because of hormonal imbalances I finally got my life back - well almost. Now, 4 years later, I never lost any of the weight, I am still taking DDAVP and thyroid and now it looks like it might have returned. So basically I am going through all the tests and everything again. Hopfully I will have a better story to tell this time around.
