And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
Who am I?
I am a 34 year old male from New Lebanon, Ohio. I have a lovely wife of over 10 years and two daughters. Katie is 9 and Brooke is 7. I have a dog named Zoey. I build software for a living and most of that software is for use with the internet. I have served as a soldier and as a police officer in civilian and military lives. I served in Operation Enduring Freedom in several different missions as a military policeman. I help coach softball with my brother when I can.
What happened to me?
Last year, the doctors found a tumor on my left adrenal gland. This was after complaining of pain, general ill feelings, sweating, panic, shakes, and insomnia. I was told it was just depression and not to worry about the tumor. In fact, I was told it was not a tumor by an endo. I was told several times it was all in my head.
I was diagnosed with HyperBeta Adrenergic Syndrome in August. That stopped my daily course of crazy pills that did nothing for me. The symptoms where so so and I could function most days. I thought that was the end of it.
In November, very bad pain started just left of my spine. The pain has not stopped since then. In January, the doctor ordered an MRI to look at the tumor. The tumor had then doubled in size. I went to go see a new Endo. He told me to get it removed immediately. I went to go see a local surgeon who said no, it didn't need to come out (at +5 cm...he said it didnt need out).
I went to Cleveland Clinic and they said it needed to go. We did some 24 hours and they came back 2-4 times the normal levels of Cortisol. 14 hours before surgery on April 12th, the doctor called and said that I would not be able to have it. She needed to find out why the cortisol is now high. I did the overnight dex suppression test and I am now awaiting results.
The fear of all of us is that this is ACC cancer. The doctors want to remove it to classify the tumor because of its size alone. Now, they are checking to see if it is producing cortisol or if something else in the body is. I do have some signs of Cushing's. I am not sure if I have it or not, but I am here to get answers and help. We were told it was a pheo for awhile, but that seems to be ruled out for sure now.
Steve was the subject of a future Live Interview in the Cushings Help Voice Chat / Podcast series April 10, 2008. Archives are available after the chat.
Steve returns May 29 at 7:30 PM eastern for another Live Interview in the Cushings Help Voice Chat / Podcast series. His topic will be building up support networks and using available agencies to get back to work (rehab, PT/OT, job coaches, etc).
