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Tag Archives: 20-29

Monica D., Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

About 5 years ago, I was ending an abusive relationship. I had also stopped getting my period, was gaining weight and was depressed, but I attributed it to stress from that relationship. I decided to start exercising daily and changed my diet and my life habits. I was happy, but despite working out 5 days a weeks and dieting, I was actually gaining weight – not muscle, but fat! My acne was out of control and I started losing my hair. I became more depressed, full of anxiety and very introverted, which is not like me at all. I didn’t have insurance at the time, so for 3.5 years I struggled with people telling me how to eat better and exercise and that I was obese, like this was a life choice. I was progressively feeling more muscle pain and weakness. Walking/physical activity was painful.

Finally, I got insurance and went to the doctor, he put me on metformin for the weight (I didn’t have diabetes), lisinopril for high blood pressure, and an antibiotic for acne. He told me to see my gynecologist for the amenorrhea. My gynecologist diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome but because Cushing’s has a few overlapping symptoms, they ordered lab tests. When my blood work came back with an extremely high level of cortisol, they referred me to an endocrinologist who specialized in Cushing’s. She ordered more blood work and urine tests, and an MRI. Sure enough there was a tumor! I’d never been happier to hear that I had a tumor. Soon after I had surgery in October of 2015.

Monica D.In the first 6 months, I had significant weight loss, from 236 to 180. I was so happy. My face is no longer a moon face, my acne is almost all gone, I exercise regularly and feel great with minimal pain. I’m no longer depressed or anxious even half as much as I was. My period is back and regular, and I hope that means regular fertility in the future. I am still struggling with weight and gained back about 15 pounds since I was at 180. I’d like to join a coinciding group or be able to talk to other people.

Member: 173491

State: New York

Newsletter: Summer, 2017

Sabrina W., Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Archery, dancing, high-jumping, volleyball… growing up I was always on the move, looking for my next adventure, and without many disappointments. I have a rare perspective: a doctor who is a Cushie.Continue Reading

Shelby C., Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

It was late August, 2009 when I walked onto campus as a spunky, tiny 18 year old ready to live on my own and take on the collegiate world. Four months later I left feeling like a completely different person. I was demoralized, depressed, confused and in a lot of pain. My body and mind were quickly turning on me and it was out of my control. Continue Reading

Van N., Adrenal Tumor

I am a twenty four year-old female who had an adrenal tumor. My main symptoms were depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, acne, body hair, fatigue, joint pain, no menstrual cycle, and hair loss. Continue Reading

Kristie H., Pituitary Transsphenoidal Surgery, Recurrence, Radiation

I’ve been waiting to write my story for the CSRF newsletter until it had a happy ending and I had some fabulous “after” pictures to share where I looked like my pre-Cushing’s self again. I don’t know if or when that will happen, and I feel that this is the right time to share my journey with this insidious disease.Continue Reading

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