kkc, Author at CSRF - Cushing's Support & Research Foundation

Author Archives: kkc

Aches and Pains After Cushing’s

Question: From past issues of this newsletter, it appears that Cushing’s doesn’t cause arthritis. If it’s not arthritis, why in the world do I have all these aches and pains? Answer: The feeling of fatigue and the aches and pains in the muscles and joints of patients with Cushing’s during the postoperative period are common… Continue Reading

Topical Steroid Creams, Inhalers and Sprays

Question: Is it all right for someone who has had Cushing’s or is recovering from Cushing’s to use topical steroid creams, steroid inhalers for asthma, or prescription nasal sprays? Answer: Someone who has had or is recovering from Cushing’s syndrome is no more or less likely to develop Cushing’s from the use of topical or… Continue Reading

Tapering Off Prednisone

Question: I was on prednisone for 2 months due to breathing difficulties and developed Cushing’s symptoms during treatment. I then tried to taper off unsuccessfully and am now on hydrocortisone. Can profound HPA axis suppression or permanent damage be caused in such a short period of time? Answer: Administration of high doses of prednisone or… Continue Reading

Steroid Inhalers, Sprays and Cushing’s

Question: Can a person get Cushing’s from using steroid nasal sprays and inhalers? Do any of these interfere with cortisol testing for Cushing’s? Answer: Cushing’s syndrome results from the effects of too much cortisol action. Cortisol action can be produced by a variety of steroids termed glucocorticoids. What is important is the levels of cortisol… Continue Reading

Managing Side Effects of Steroid Medication

Question: I am taking steroids to control another medical condition. Will taking the entire dose in the morning help minimize the side effects? Is there anything I can do to minimize the side effects? Answer: If a steroid is given for a condition other than replacement for adrenal insufficiency, the dose is usually higher –… Continue Reading