I’m 32 year old female from Virgina Beach. I started to write this really long story here but then decided I will wait and see if my test comes back positive for cushing’s. I will say that I have been dealing with the craziest symptoms over the past 6 months. Look back I think my health issues are related to this disease. I have always dealt with kidney stones and allergies.

My current symptoms include

-Buffalo Hump

-Horrible pain in back, arm and legs

-Kidney Stones

-Mood Swings

-Gained 25 lbs

-Fogginess, can’t complete sentences

-Moon Face

-Swelling in neck. Neck went from 15.25 in to 18 in.

-High Mono count on blood test and low Vitamin D

-Lethargic

-Crazy sensations, numbness, burning, aching

-Really high resting heart beat

My Primary Care Doctor, Pain Management Doctor and ER doctor’s had no clue. Most look at you crazy or they know something is wrong but had no idea what. They really didn’t do any detailed testing until 2 months after all the symptoms.  I was so frustrated. They got me into a Neurologist which I see this week. Luckily, I switched primary care doctor’s and after one visit  with my new doctor she decided to test me for Cushing’s. I’m a very detailed person and really started to pay attention to my symptoms. I started to keep a journal and took photographs as my body was changing.  I think my new doctor had an advantage.   I’m grateful I met her and that she took time to look at my history and is willing to think outside the box.

Mind you I am an athlete, I love the outdoors, wakeboarding and being active is important to me. Since March I have completely changed. I’m lucky to make it to work. I always look forward getting away from work and going home to sleep. The pain is unbearable in my legs and back.  I refuse to take medicine until I get a diagnosis. I don’t want any meds to mask the symptoms.

I work in a recreation center where my heart belongs and it makes me sad to see how my body has changed but I’m grateful for my new doctor and hopefully will get back to normal soon.

Whether I have Cushing’s or not I’m glad I came across this site to see such a wonderful support group.

Sincerely,

Alexis