My mother has Cushing’s and I have just found out I have high cortisol levels. I am nervous about this but if my mother can make it through this so can I.
I am 30 years old and one of my biggest problems is my children are too young to understand what is going on.
I am glad that I have my mom who has already been through this before, so she will understand everything.
This article was posted by long-time message board member Samsmom about her daughter Sam.
AIM senior Samantha Edgar doesn’t let health issues hold her down
SNOHOMISH — Samantha Edgar, 17, has faced limitations with serious health issues, including Addison’s disease and osteoporosis. But the AIM High School senior is overcoming them in amazing ways.
Question: Your school administrator says you come to school every day with a smile despite some serious health challenges.
Answer: I’ve had adrenal deficiency since I was 4 years old because my adrenal glands were infected with a lot of tumors. The guy who diagnosed me (Dr. Constantine Stratakis) I’m actually doing an internship with this summer at the National Institutes of Health. It’s pretty nerve-wracking. It will be fun.
Q: Wow. How did you end up with that?
A: (My mom and I) were talking about asking for an internship, and joking that he’d probably just say apply, like he normally does. … I asked “if I can maybe shadow you this summer and, um, hang out?” He was like, “Of course.” All the interns just stared at me. (Most of them are in medical degree programs) who’ve applied five times.
Q: What do you hope to get from it?
A: I’m hoping to understand my own thing a little bit more afterward, and then have opportunities after that stem from it. It’ll be interesting at least.
Q: Your mom is planning to rent an apartment and live out there with you.
A: I’m still her baby. … If anything, though, it’s the best place to have an issue.
Q: Your last life-threatening experience was when you were 10. You had the flu and were unable to keep down your medications, which you need to take three times a day. What other issues are you susceptible to?
A: If I am to break a bone or something I could go into what’s called adrenal crisis. (The body) goes into shock.
Q: And yet …
A: I do mounted archery, which is horseback archery. My mom is pretty much nervous every time I go down the course because I’m probably going around 30 (mph) and shooting an arrow at a target or five.
I have been battling Cushings Disease for many years. I had transphenodial surgery at the Mayo Clini-Rochester in April of 2008.
Recently my numbers were high again and I can feel that my Cushings is back. I just got done with the long testing process and am waiting to confirm a appointment for a bilateral adrenalectomy. If anyone has had a BLA I would appreciate an e mail. I would like to hear it all- the good, bad and the ugly. I would also like to know if this made your quality of life any better and tips and tricks for recovery. I am very scared. This decision is a lifetime change but one I am willing to take becuase of how miserable I feel now.
I have two children and a husband that although are VERY supportive still need their Mom/wife to be an active part of their lives. Thank you!
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