When a long standing condition such as Cushing’s occurs, no one realizes the losses involved. We always hope that we will improve, but also fear that we will not. There is often a sudden shift in lifestyle that can be devastating. The challenge is to make this lifestyle tolerable and enjoyable. How can we do that? 

1. Live in the moment! Regretting the past and fearing the future only add to your burdens. Try being in the moment. Usually we can tolerate one moment at a time. Create some moments that give you pleasure. Enjoy the moon, the sunset, favorite music, a work of art, pictures of loved ones, a flower. The list can go on with your favorite things. Write them down as a reminder.
2. Be patient with yourself! The chemical changes in your body have probably affected your brain function. There may be memory problems, confusion, and a short attention span. Accept this with understanding and humor. If you can share the problem with others, they will be more likely to understand and help you out. Allow yourself to make mistakes or forget. Experiment with writing reminder notes to discover what may help you.
3. Pace yourself! Your energy level is no doubt lower than it was in the past, so plan accordingly. Do not over schedule yourself. Explain this problem to those who expect you to function at your previous levels. Break your tasks or pleasure activities into small chunks, so that you can experience some completion. Remember it is OK not to meet all your commitments, but make it clear to others in advance that you may not be able to.
4. Change your attitude! Shift your focus from what you cannot do to what you can do. Keep adding to your inventory of things that you can do now. Resurrect some old interests that you have had no time to pursue. Accept the challenge of creating a life within the limits of your condition. Explore activities which are so absorbing that you can forget time and your problems. Share your discoveries with others so that they can try new things. Move from being a victim to being a survivor.
5. Love yourself! Your appearance many change, and your condition may send you on a roller coaster of feelings, but deep inside, you are still the same person that you always were. Trust in your deep inner self that you are able to handle this situation with grace. Treat yourself to special things that make you feel good about you. Above all, be kind and gentle to yourself!!

Author: Margaret McClelland, OTR, MA, MFCC (Spring, 1996)

Editor’s Note: Margaret is an Occupational Therapist and Marriage, Family, and Child Counsellor in Livermore, CA. Margaret is a cancer survivor and has run numerous support groups for those dealing with illness and disabilities.