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Tracie's Story...

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!

Update February 12, 2004

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.

My little family in 2000 [Photographer: Tracie's family]

Myself and my sister Wendy at her wedding 2001 [Photographer: Tracie's family]

Myself and Wendy 2002 [Photographer: Tracie's family]

Me now! (2004) Yes - I'm in my jammies! [Photographer: Tracie's family]

Update: April 9, 2004

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.

Well it's now January 2007.

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!

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