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In Memory of Lenise Petersen ~ October 2, 2002

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in-memory

Lenise’s Original Bio

Lenise, 22 years old, single mother.

After the birth of my daughter I was breast feeding. I stopped, but did not stop producing milk. My doctor told me it was normal. So, I ignored it, and the anxiety, weight gain.

Then I went and saw a different doctor. He ran an MRI and found a pituitary tumor. That was in June. He sent me to my Endo. She diagnosed me with Cushing’s and sent me to a Neurosurgeon.

I’m now waiting to have surgery. I am tired all the time (I have a two year old). I’ve gotten so fat I can hardly move. My face is red all the time, acne too. I can’t sleep at night, and have a hard time staying awake during the day. I’m getting so tired of being tired it’s not even funny.

It’s almost been a year now, since I’ve known, and I really want something done. I want to feel normal again. I want to have the energy to play with my daughter. I feel bad for her. It takes all of my energy just to take care of her all day. I’ve had some depression with this, mainly because of the way I look. I used to look good. Not now. I have major issues with anxiety, I shake all the time. It’s like my nerves are shot to you know where. But, I’m so ready to have this surgery and hopefully get on with my life. I feel like my life is at a stand still waiting for this surgery. So, wish me luck. God Bless.

Lenise

Note: Lenise passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002 at 23 years old, just after her surgery.

Official obituary.

Shannon, Pituitary Bi0

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A Golden Oldie

The pituitary gland

The pituitary gland

I’m 31 years old and feel like I’m 80.  I’ve been ill for so many different things over the past couple of years.

In the past year alone I’ve seen 5 doctors who couldn’t tell me the time. They made me feel like I was crazy. Even when I got double vision in my right eye and had to wear an eye patch for 3 months. No one could figure out why.  I still have vision disturbances but after two med packs of steriods the double vision went away.

I came across this web site last week and connected with so many things from other people. I printed off the sheets and took them to a new neurologist I was scheduled to see.  To my amazement he completly agreed with me! He said it was very likely I did have cushings and/or PCOS.

He scheduled an appointment for a Endocrinologist that specializes in this area and I am to see them Tuesday. I will update from then but I want to say I’m grateful for this site because it gave me some hope of an answer. I’ve been so miserable. I felt like my soul was trapped by my body and I didn’t even have the energy to make it better.

If you’re doctor makes you feel crazy, find another one. I know even with insurance it’s expensive but help is imperative.

Here’s a list of my symptoms:

-hump on my neck (have had for a while and thought it was from bad posture!)
-cyctic acne
-hair loss
-hair growth where it should not be
-loss of libido (I’m 31 this is so not right)
-fatigue
-muscle weakness
-back pain
-fat in the middle
-moon face
-horrible stretch marks
-no period for over a year (my last gyno told me I was just lucky)
-vision disturbances
-depression
-anxiety
-hypertension
-extremly low cholesterol
-hard to breathe, like there’s somthing heavy on my chest
-reoccurent kidney stones
-cyst on ovaries
-frequent bathroom visits
-terrible constipation
-swelling of legs and feet
-water rentention

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Sylvia, Undiagnosed Bio

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A Golden Oldie

Sylvia submitted two versions of her bio:

1)

Hi , my name is Sylvia. I’m a 36 years old mother of two.

I am not one to go to doctors. Usually I go about every 4 or 5 years. I last went to a doctor in 2008 and had a battery of test. To this day the only dx i got was anemia. I had lab,ct,mri,lumbar puncture, and other tests with no answers.

Recently I went to an urgent care due to feeling bad. Thought i had a kidney infection. Had trouble urinating, feet swelled up, and burning in my sides. They told me I had high blood pressure no kidney infection. Also my lab came back high whiteblood count. I’ve never had high bp but elevated white blood counts for several years. Every time I have lab its high. They had me repeat the lab 2 days later and it was higher. So then i did a 24 hr urine test and my creatine level was high.

So they sent me to a kidney specialist now he is  wanting to rule out cushings. I had never even heard of it before, I went today for a renal ultrasound and in 3 weeks i will do a 24 hr urine cortisol test. Then i will see him the next week.  so 1 month till I hear anything.

Let me just give you my history of symptoms:  elevated white blood counts when i have no cold or infection  recent high blood pressure  swelling in feet, legs, face, and hands gained 50lbs this year  have battled weight for years unable to lose more than 30lbs ever and that is with extreme diet and excerise  mood swings very irratable depressed extreme anxiety  sleep deprivation  can go for days without sleep never really noticed the hump on the back of my neck as abnormal thought i was just fat and that was part of it but reading about cushings makes me wonder if its a symptom.

I haven’t been dx with cushings yet but all signs point to it. I feel weird saying this because i don’t want this but for years i’ve not had an answer and in a weird way it would be a relief to know why i always feel bad, fatigued, no energy. I’ve always just said well its because of the weight. Obese people don’t have energy. But now It’s affecting my whole life.I can’t do things with my kids or be close with my husband who i love to peices. I just want an answer so i can be better.  sorry thisis so long but its a decade of issues and hard to get it all out .

thanks for reading my story.

~~

2)

My name is Sylvia i’m 36 married for 17 yrs with 2 great kids.

I’ve never been one to go to the doctor.I have to be about dead to go. I haven’t seen a dr. since 2008.

Last month i started having some kidney problems and decided to go to a urgent care clinic thinking it was probably a kidney infection. I had went on a trip over the labor day holiday and went about 8 hrs from where we live.

i have noticed when i ride for a long time or walk long distances my whole body would swell up. by the time we got home my feet were 3 times the size and i couldn’t pee. so the urgent care did test i didn’t have a kidney infection but my bp was high and whiteblood count high also.

i have had a high white count for years and nobody could ever figure it out other than anemia. two days later the dr called me to repeat the lab and the whitecount was even higher. i also had a 24hr urine test that came back abnormal high creatine level. so they referred me to a blood specialist and kidney dr. went to the blood dr. first which i had already seen in 2008 for the anemia, they said i was ok probably just a person who runs a high whitecount naturally. so that didn’t help me. but i did ask for them to order a mamogram and found a nodule so i go for a biopsy next week. so maybe it was a higher plan to go there. hoping for a good result.

then i went to the kidney specialist and he is the one who brought up cushings. i had never heard of it before. and at the time i was so overwhelmed that i didn’t even ask any questions went today for a renal ultrasound and in three weeks i redo the 24hr urine to check the cortisol levels. i didn’t know about cushings till i got on here.

i have just about all the symptoms. i’ve gained about 50lbs this year and have been under an extreme amount of stress. had a family tradgedy and figured all the anxiety and depression was from that but i’ve had bouts of depression in the past. i also have swelling in my hands feet legs and stomach. headaches, joint pain, recent high bp, mood swings, irriatability, no sex drive, panic attacks and severe fatigue. and i never noticed the hump on the back of my neck as abnormal till i read about it. i thought it was from the extra weight. i have gotten up to 315lbs. i can’t find clothes to fit anymore and my stomach makes me look pregnant. my self esteem is low and i’ve always been very social and now i don’t want to be around people at all.

i’m really hoping i can find out whats wrong with me. i just thought i was obese and fat people don’t have energy so they feel bad. i don’t want to have cushings but i’ve felt bad for so long it would almost be a relief to just get diagnosed so i wouldn’t feel like it’s all in my head.

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Sue, Undiagnosed Bio

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A Golden Oldie

Hello – My name is Sue and I’m 42 years old.  Before Friday, 10/15/10, I had never heard of Cushing’s.  I went in for a physical and had routine blood work done (fasting) and then went in the next day for a cortisol and aldosterone test.

This was a new doctor who didn’t know my history… she noticed my ::blush:: beard, red puffy face, and central obesity and then started asking me some questions.  I stll had no idea why this many questions.  She said that she wanted to get an abdominal ultrasound and wanted me to seen an endocronologist.  Ummmm…. ok… still had no clue. After my cortisol came back at 23, she called me back in and explained that she wanted to get a CAT scan of my abdomen.  I asked her what this was all about, and she said that she thinks that I have Cushing’s.

I have been on blood pressure medication since 1998, and my ‘normal’ bp is 135/90.  At my physical it was 155/100, another warning sign… she doubled my meds and had me come in the next day.  BP was better 145/90, but was still high… so she prescribed an additional medication.

I don’t want to make this too lengthy, but I have several other symptoms too…  I am currently disabled due to depression/anxiety, and I have even gone through ECT treatment twice for it.  I take meds for depression, anxiety, sleep and psychosis.  I have to take a potassium pill every morning to maintain a healthy level and some mornings I can’t even move for a while due to joint pain.  Hot flashes and night sweats are not frequent, and I thought I was going through the beginning of menopause.  At times I would have sweat dripping off of my forehead.  If someone would look at a picture of me and see if maybe I resemble a Cushie??  I am waiting for the appointments, but the more I read about it, the more it sounds like me.  Thank you.


Sue also submitted a second version of her bio:

Hi!  My name is Sue, I am 42 and I live in Central Massachusetts.  During my physical with a new doctor, my blood pressure was found to be high, even though I have been on Hypertensive meds since 1998.  She doubled my dose, and it was still high.  She then put me on an additional medication, and that took it down a little bit. She then noticed my razor stubble on my neck and chin and asked about that.  Prior blood work showed that my cardiac inflammation was 5X’s the “high” limit (2 years ago) and the doctor at the time told me to take 1 adult dose asparin a day.  I had severely low potassium and she told me to take a supplement.  I am 5’5″ and weigh 224 pounds an it’s literally ALL in my stomach and cest and back.  My face is all puffed out and red and splotchy.  I suffer from sleep apnea and I lose my breath if I lay down flat on my back.  I thought I was having hot flashes, because I have been having night sweats and during the day I sometimes get so flush and hot that the sweat literally drips onto the table.  I have rosacea and I flush easily.  I am disabled due to depression/anxiety/psychosis and I have even undergone ECT treatment for it (electroconvulsive therapy-shock treatment)

I was reading some of the bios and started to cry…  I could see me in so many of the stories and pictures.  Could it be possible that all of my issues are related to this disease that I had never even heard of before?  I do not want to be sick, but if it is Cushing’s that I have, I will have hope that I haven’t let myself go. 🙂  You all seem to be very loving and supporting.  Thank you for being here.

There are other symptoms I have, but these are the most bothersome.  My blood cortisol level came in at 22 and my aldosterone was high also.  I am waiting for an appointment for an abdominal CAT scan and a referral to an endochronologist.

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Voices from the Past: Lisa (sagrae), Undiagnosed Bio

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Im a mother of 4 use to work full time till I got to sick and very tired.  Not sure what I have been to alot of drs. My tish flucuates my t4 is always in low range of normal, my cortisol tends to be very low in am and through the day. Ive done saliva test blood tests and urine tests. Im either boarderline or below and its been almost 2 years, 2 surgeries and alot of stress and financial hardship to my family. I had sleep apnea surgery first, then my ovaries removed (that proved the pcos i knew i had). Ive now been told I have reactive hypoglycemia. Been put on many different anti depressants to control my moods, since I never know from one minute to the next how I will be.

saliva test   reference range

1.6               7.0-10.0

1.9               3.0-6.0

.9                  2.0-4.0

.9                  <1.5

serum cortisol tested 1 month later

.6                 4.0-22.0

free testo

3                  2-45

 

t4 tested 1 year ago

5.0               4.7-13.3

t4 tested 2 weeks ago

1.11            0.8-1.8

tsh tested 3months ago

1.94            .40-4.50

tsh tested 1 year ago

4.14             .35-4.94

my acth test

20                6-50

lh test

58                10-54.7  keep in mind ive had a total hysterectomy 6 months ago

 

Im wondering how a dr can figure out what is wrong with me if everything flucuates all the time, and im wondering what is wrong with me? please anybody out there please shed some light on what this could be . Theres days i really feel out of my mind. Current medications started 3 months ago lithium 900 welbutrin 150 estradial 1mg provera 5mg

Voices from the Past: Patty L (Answer hungry), Undiagnosed Bio

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I’m a 33 year old female.  I have 3 young boys ages 8, 5 & 2.

About 1 year ago I started suffering from chronic fatigue to the point of crying halfway thru my work day not knowing how I was going to make it thru the rest of the day.  I went to my primary physician who stated I might need to have my thryroid rechecked.  I was previously diagnosed with hypothryroid but on a real low dose of Levothryroxine.  He ran some blood work and the test came back normal but with deficiencies in my B-12 & Viamin D.  He suggested I try a multivitamin.  I went out and splurged on the best vitamins I could find but they were of no help.

I returned after experiencing palpitations and dizziness.  I was then diagnosed with Vertigo and given meds that only made me more sleepy so I stoped taking them.  I noticed I was gaining weight even though at this time I was running 3 miles 4X/wk and loging in my meals.

My PCP thought I was suffering from depression because I cried at one of my appointments out of frustration because I just waned to make it thru a day without feeling tiered.  He suggested I take a sleep study test to check for insomnia.  The test came back cleared saying other than fallling asleep faster than usual patients nothing else was wrong.

I was referred to a cardiologist becasue I was also feeling extremely cold  and had a difficult time performing the same tasks I was able to do wihtout any problems months earlier.  I kept insisting I had a lot of the syptoms I had previous to start on meds for my hypothyroidism but because the blood work came back normal they said they could not change my meds.

I read somewhere about secondoray hypothyroidsm and requested a referal to an endocronologists.  My PCP felt there was no reason as everything came back normal but I pleaded until he gave in and authorized my referral.

I went to see my endocronologist for the first time and for some reason after telling her what I was experiencing she told me my issues could range from anemia to Multiple Sclerois but she also wanted to check for something extremely rare…..did not give me a name.  She requested blood work and sent me home with 3 cottong swabs she wanted me to saturate between 11 pm – 12 am, stick them in the fridge and return to their lab as soon as I was done.  I did this and she called me stating the tests came back abnormal and she wanted me to do another tests.  She was very vague about providing me with information other than assuring me that what she was testing me for was extremely rare and it was probably false results.  She told me not too panic and just go about life as usual.

I came home with a 24 hour urine collection container and another round of saliva tests.  I got a call from her nurse stating everything was normal.  I insisted I wanted a f/u visit with the Dr.   At the time of my visit she stated she was happy I had insisted on another appointment because the saliva test came back abnormal, but only on one of the swabs.

This time I came prepared with a list of symptoms and my own depression screening test (I’m a social worker and knew my some of my symptoms were similar to those of people suffering from depression), she took copies but again told me not to worry.  Well the more she told me not to worry the more worried I became and started researching Cushing’s the extrme rare disorder she had been telling me not to worry about.

My husband came across a website called Cushing’s with a Moxie, when I started reading the blog I started to cry I felt like finally someone understood me.  I still don’t have an answer by my Endocronologist but in my head I think I’ve figured it out and as silly as it sounds I’m wishing this is it, finally an answer to my symptoms.

~~~

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Voices from the Past: Kim H, Ectopic Bio

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I was diagnosed with Cushing’s in 1986. I had all the symptoms. Weight gain, purple stretch marks, severe acne, hair all over the face, balding on the head, muscle weakness, depression, no periods, moon face, etc.

I had all the blood, urine tests. Scans, x-rays and even petrosal sinus sampling. These were inconclusive as to the source. The MRI of the pituitary showed swelling and near to the optic nerve, so the next step was pituitary surgery which was done in August 1986. However the cortisol levels were still high. I still had Cushing’s. I was then given the choice of long term drug treatment while the source was located or to have an adrenalectomy. I was told that if I became pregnant on the drugs the pregnancy would not be able to continue because the effect of the drugs on a feotus wasn’t known. I felt that at the age of 24 I wanted my health back and the chance to have children if I was lucky enough. So in the October 1986 I had bilateral adrenalectomy through the back.

My Cushing’s was to all intents and purposes cured. Nearly 16 years later the ectopic source has never been found despite many more tests. It is still there because it still produces ACTH. The good side is now that I tan really easily which is amazing considering the British weather. I take hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. I have never felt that I truly got my health back but am glad to still be here. I went on to have two lovely children, now aged 14 and 12. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last year after years of back pain which is now being treated. I also had some problems last year and was diagnosed with angina and my steroids had to be increased due to a total lack of energy.

Up till now I have just about managed to hold down a full time job as a merchandiser for Hallmark Cards but have now taken the decision to go part-time which I am able to do with Hallmark. I have been married twice and am again a single parent. The men in my life could not cope with my health problems, so I figure I am better off with being on my own to bring up my kids. I think that’s about all. I would just like to say a huge thank-you to St. Bartolomews Hospital in London for all they have done for me over the years. Without their care and support I probably wouldn’t be here. p.s. I still suffer from depression but the old prozac sure helps.

Update: May, 2007

It is now 2007 and in 2006 they found my ectopic source in my appendix. It looked on the scan like it was in the central blood vessel but when they operated my appendix had flipped itself up and the tumour was sitting on the tip of it. After they tested it it was found to be a carcinoid tumour. Thankfully it was all taken away and the outcome was ok.

For the first time in over 20 years I can honestly say that i am much beter. for 20 years i felt ill and now i feel great. Obviously i still have bad days as I have no adrenal glands. But i will always be greatful for the immense help and support that i have received from professor Grossman and St. Bartholomews hospital in London.

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Voices From the Past: Renee (rmaxwell), Undiagnosed Bio

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Originally posted December 5, 2008

My symptoms began when I was about 21 years old. At the time I worked as a Martial Art instructor so I was very physical and in good shape, weighing about 120lbs. Suddenly, and I do mean SUDDENLY, I gained about 60lbs or so. It was as if my clothes fit one night and then didn’t fit in the morning. The weight is mostly in the middle area. My face shape changed and I developed a second chin almost.

I also started getting some whiskers on my chin and neck. Not a lot, just a few, but it was strange.

I was under great stress at the time because I had lost both of my parents in the same year, to two different medical things. So as you can imagine, it was very difficult for me. I developed extreme fatigue, and anxiety attacks. Friends were sure all my physical and mental symptoms must be from depression over losing my folks. One friend advised I see a psychiatrist, so considering everything it sounded reasonable, and I did.

I was placed on Paxil, which caused me to gain even more weight. Since then I’ve tried so many antidepressants I can’t even begin to name them. I went through many SSRI’s, then SNRI’s, then tricyclic, and most recently as a last resort an MAOI.
But in spite of this, over the years my depression has only gotten worse. I’ve had two suicide attempts and been hospitialized a few times. My depression seems to follow a pattern or cycle, two weeks of barely being able to function, followed by a week of doing a little better, then a day or two of feeling good, then back to two weeks of misery, etc. I am not bipolar or anything like that.

I continued to gain weight, developed stretch marks on my belly and arms, got a lot of dark hair all over my belly, and the few whiskers that appeared on my chin and neck have become like a beard. I developed insulin-resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. I can seldom sleep at night. I experience such deep depression and fatigue that I haven’t been able to keep a job or finish collage, I barely function.

For many years I just thought I had really bad depression and continued trying whatever psych meds I was prescribed. I thought all my physical symptoms were my fault for being so depressed and not getting enough excercise, etc. And most of the time, I was on so much medication I didn’t really care, I was so out of it.

Finally I found a great psychiatrist who truly cares about me and wants to see me happy. After having little or no success treating my depression, fatigue, and panic attacks, she did some research and told me not long ago that she felt I must have something biological going on with me that wasn’t any type of clinical depression. She said she had tried hitting all the different receptors in my brain (seretonin, norephinepherine, dopamine, etc..) and I should have responded to something. She suggested I might have Cushing’s Syndrome. I went online to find out about Cushing’s and I was like “Wow I really match a LOT of these things!”

Now I am on quest for getting tested. It’s difficult as I do not have any health insurance. But I am making a little progress and hope I start to get some answers soon.

I either have Cushing’s syndrome, some other endocrine problem, or the most treatment-resistant depression ever.

That’s my story, thanks for reading. I’m open to any comments or advice.

-Renee

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Anonymous Woman, Recurrent Cushing’s

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A 45-year-old female developed clinical and biochemical recurrent Cushings’ Disease 2.5 years after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for 2cm pituitary macroadenoma.

Past medical history included Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, asthma, hypertension, grade 3 obesity, dyslipidaemia, depression and sleep apnoea. MRI showed residual pituitary tissue with left sphenoid sinus extension.

MDT advised repeat transphenoidal surgery over radiotherapy due to presence of a clearly visible surgical target. Neurosurgery was initially delayed at patient request. She commenced metyrapone, titrated to cortisol levels but this was poorly tolerated. Whilst awaiting neurosurgery, she developed pituitary apoplexy with right sixth nerve palsy and superior quadrantanopia. MRI showed reduced tumor volume but she became progressively hypercortisolaemic. MDT discussion felt redo transphenoidal surgery no longer appropriate but unfortunately, the patient declined radiotherapy.

Over the next 5 years, her metabolic control deteriorated, managed with intensive insulin regime, GLP-1 agonist and SGLT2 inhibitor, anti-hypertensives, statin, Levothyroxine for central hypothyroidism, prophylactic Rivaroxaban for thromboembolic risk and intermittent Metyrapone.

Despite this she developed worsening alopecia, arthralgia, myopathy and NAFLD and became wheelchair dependent.

Options of pituitary radiotherapy, bilateral surgical adrenalectomy or ablation were discussed. Bilateral surgical adrenalectomy was accepted by the patient but delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst awaiting adrenalectomy she developed worsening headaches and superior quadrantanopia. Repeat MRI showed increase size of pituitary adenoma with supraseller extension. She commenced Pasireotide after MDT discussion but attended A/E with worsening headache, visual field defect and ongoing cushingoid symptoms after 3 doses. Repeat MRI scan showed no significant tumour growth or apoplexy and MDT recommended Osilodrostat, which the patient is awaiting.

Conclusion: This challenging case highlights the alternative options of managing resistant hypercortisolaemia in an individualized approach and the difficulty explaining complex treatment options with patients.

Adapted from https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0094/ea0094p245

Voices from the Past: Leah C, Undiagnosed Bio

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undiagnosed3

 

Hi there!
Basically writing my story on here just for support.

I have suffered from major depression, no periods for two years, irregular hair growth, moon face, aches and pains especially lower back and also severe acne. My face is so swollen I no longer smile. I feel like I am losing my mind.

I recently had a late-night cortisol test and it came back double what it should be. My acth is very low but my cortisol is high. I suffer from aniexty and have recently started having aniexty attacks.

I feel like the doctors could care less and actually have one laugh at me. I used to be a happy 115lb 18 year old girl and have gained 25 pounds in less than a year although I have continued eating as healthy as I can even thought I am hungry all the time but I workout daily.

Any advice would be amazing. I don’t know what else to do.

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