And It's About Time There Was Some Support For Cushing's!
After about five or six years of going back and forth to my family doctor, I finally have a diagnosis! It happened quite by fluke.
In October of 2003, I was awakened in the middle of the night with a sharp stabbing pain, I went to the ER and it turned out to be a kidney stone attack. A CAT scan was done and about a week later my doctor called and told me I had a tumor on my right adrenal gland. I had to then go see a surgeon and an endocrinologist.
After a MRI and a week in hospital having different tests done, yesterday I got a verbal conformation that I do indeed have Cushing's and I have to see her February 3 to discuss the tests and surgery. I knew I had Cushing's all along! I have every single symptom except for the acne! (knock on wood!) It's great to have a diagnosis and to know I'm not crazy or a chronic complainer. I understand the recovery is very long and hard but at least there is some light at the end of the tunnel!
I'll keep you all updated. This website is terrific!
I saw my endo on February 3. What a disappointment! She never even asked me how I felt or anything. I asked her my test results. She riddled off two numbers, I believe my cortisone levels was 685 and something else was 295. She was in a huge hurry. I asked her about an antidepressant and she told me we'd discuss that after the surgery. I have to see the surgeon, Dr. Kwan, on the 27th of February. I can't wait! I'm at the point now I feel like John Q from that movie. I just want to go into the hospital, hold it up and make them do the surgery so I can get on with my life! Anyway, I'll update after the 27th.
On a lighter note, I'm trying to post some pictures in my bio but I'm having a little trouble! I'm sure Mary O will help me.....
Click any thumbnail to view the larger image.
Well I thought I should update my bio a little. I'm currently awaiting a date for my surgery. I was given one which was March 31 but it never went ahead because there was a pending strike. They weren't admitting any in patients at the hospital after March 23. So why the secretary gave me a date at all is beyond me! The hospital support workers went on strike and I won't get a date until they go back to work. It's very frustrating knowing I am so close to being on the other side of Cushings! I feel terrible most of the time. It feels like my joints are getting weaker and I know that my mind is definately not as sharp as it used to be. I forget.
I know it's been quite a long time since I updated my bio. To catch you up, I had my surgery in May 2004. It was rough recovering from it. They removed all of the tumor. I was on quite a few pills while I was recovering and to tell you the truth I can't even remember what they were. Now I take now pills and I am 100% better. I visited my endo last month but it was only for a check up and to get a referral to a plastic surgeon about removing some loose skin on my stomach. I have that appointment next month.
My life has come full circle. I get along quite well with my family now. I have a job that I love and I look like my old self again. I have lots of energy. Fixing the damage it has done to my kids will take a while though. While being sick, I became addicted to demerol. I haven't touched one of those for over a year now and I have no intentions of touching one again. My kids spent a few years of having a mother there who wasn't really there. Hopefully we can begin again and things will get alot better. I have an excellent relationship with a kind and caring man. He came after the Cushings ordeal and to be honest I don't really know how he would have dealt with it.
I just want you people struggling with this horrible disease, there is hope and I am living proof!