May 8, 2026
Adrenal Addison's disease, adrenal gland, Adrenal insufficiency, cancer, Conditions and Diseases, cortisol, cushing's syndrome, Health 3 Comments
im a 45 yr old female been feeling sick for 5-6 years. like i got flu all the time,real big and fat i am,aching wrists ,knees,SLEEPY always.anxiety ridden….. fatty deposits on collarbone.adrenal mass found in december,
was sent to surgeon and told if its a functioning tumor it mst come out-just got back from my supression test. results in a week.will be a long week…but i pray it can be fixed if its cushings or whatever it is.. God bless.
May 8, 2026
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, pseudotumor cerebri, Rathke's Cleft Cyst, Treatments Adrenal insufficiency, bladder, Blood test, Buffalo hump, Cleft lip and palate, Conditions and Diseases, Cushing Syndrome, depression, Dexamethasone, Diamox, dilated aorta, Health, high cholesterol, hirsuitism, hydronephrosis, hypertension, immune suppression, irritability, Magnetic resonance imaging, moodiness, moonface, muscle weakness, pertussis, pituitary cyst, pseudotumor cerebri, Rathke's cleft cyst, Stretch marks, striae, surgery, weight 1 Comment
I am really not sure where to start! I have struggled with medical issues my entire life. I am 25 born with many anomalies–bladder, cleft lip/cleft palate, dilated aorta, hydronephrosis…the list really goes on and on. Thankfully, I have had great doctors and everything is under control until recently.
I had my first appointment with my new endocrinologist. She listened to my history that I highlighted for her and she actually took the time to *think* about me and all of my little medical issues. It was great to see her brain trying to piece things together. When she was doing my exam, she gently touched my shoulders and made a comment that my shoulders were holding a lot of weight. I said that I’ve noticed and that it makes me feel that I look like a football player. She told me that it isn’t that bad, but then asked me if I have stretch marks on my body. I told her that I do and that I’ve actually noticed that they are getting worse and deeper than usual. She looked at my belly and she said that she wants to get my checked for Cushings Syndrome.
She asked if I was on any steroids, and I am not, but I did have a pituitary cyst in 2008 that was surgically drained (specifically a Rathke’s Cleft Cyst). From what I’ve learned, whenever a doctor works near the pituitary there is a risk that hormones will be effected. This may be what is happening to me.
Last April 2012, I was also diagnosed with a pseudotumor cerebri. It is basically under control and I am on Diamox for it. These are my symptoms for why I really think I have cushings:
» Extreme weight gain
» Moodiness, irritability, or depression
» Muscle weakness– my leg muscles get tired very easily, even just walking a few blocks. It feels like I have shin splints, at times!
» Hypertension–possibly, but undetected because of I am on meds for other heart anomalies.
» Immune suppression– a possible reason why I got pertussis (whooping cough) during the end of 2012 even after being given the vaccine
» Hirsutism–embarassing, but true
» Hypercholesterolemia–to the point that I am on a medication for it
» stretch marks
» “moon face”–it isn’t too bad, but it is noticable.
» the storage of fat on my shoulders/back
Today I got my blood tested with the dexamethasone. I don’t know how long I have to wait for results, but I am really fighting urges to call my MD immediately. I found this board because I need support. I am nervous for what my future holds because I really don’t want to have ANOTHER brain surgery, but I think all that I can do it be positive and wait. Thanks for this forum!!
May 8, 2026
Undiagnosed acne, anxiety, Blood test, bruising, Celiac, cortisol, Crohn's, cushing's syndrome, depression, diarrhea, dry skin, eczema, fatigue, Fibromyalgia, hair, Health, high blood pressure, hypertension, IBS, insomnia, Irritable bowel syndrome, kidney infection, kidney stones, low ferritin, low iron, night sweats, painful joints, periods, skin, thyroid, UFC, Vitamin B, Vitamin D Deficiency, weight, Weight gain, Weight loss, Weight Watchers 1 Comment
I have many Cushings symptoms. I developed severe, often incapacitating IBS nearly 12 years ago and believed I had Crohn’s or Celiac Disease. All tests came back negative.
Around 5 years ago my symptoms got worse, and my normally thin to average weight shot up, despite normal diet and exercise. I became depressed, anxious, and had painful joints and flu-like symptoms. I also had irregular periods and skin problems (dry skin/eczema, acne, frequent brusing and skin infections and bug bites that never healed). My blood pressure at times was high and other times normal, my face would flush, and I had kidney infections and kidney stones. My hair started to thin. The worst part was the weight gain- all in the face and stomach area; although my arms and legs were thin by stomach was bloated and very heavy.
I was told by several doctors to excerise and diet and have– nothing works. I had blood tests done and they found low ferritin, very low iron/Vitamin B/Vitamin D, alternating high and low blood pressure & thyroid. I was diagnosed with anxiety or fibromyaligia, depending what doctor I went to. I was told I did not have IBS, although I have diarrhea almsot daily.
I also have low muscle tone, poor energy, insomnia, chronic fatigue during the day, and wake up in night sweats.
The one test that was finally ordered for high cortisol (24 hour urine test) came back ‘normal’ range– so either it was a fluke or I really am crazy.
I don’t know what to do. Doctors, family and friends, tell me “just diet and exercise”–thinking weight gain is just a willpower issue– but what about all these other symptoms? I feel like I have flu every da y and miserable. My joints ache severly and although I have been working out, calorie counting, and doing Weight Watchers, and (alternately raw vegan and liquid diets) for months I don’t lose any weight and look 7 months pregnant.
I need advice.
May 8, 2026
Chronic Fatigue, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Steroid-Induced anxiety, cholesterol, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Conditions and Diseases, cushing, cushing's syndrome, depression, Diagnosis, epidural, Fibromyalgia, Health, hypertension, hypochondria, iatrogenic, IBS, steroids, triglyceride Leave a comment
I am a 55 yr. old female recently diagnosed with Cushing’s.
Previous diagnoses included: diabetes, HTN, asthma, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, high triglyc/choles., IBS. Still in process of testing to determine cause. Had multiple steroid epidurals in past few years. Have had symptoms for over a year.
Doctors misdiagnosed Cushing’s as Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, hypochondria. So fed up with arrogant judgmental doctors.
Have a great endo now who diagnosed Cushings and doesn’t treat me like I’m nuts.
May 8, 2026
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments cancer, Conditions and Diseases, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, Pituitary adenoma, pituitary surgery, tumor Leave a comment
I am a 46 year old female who was diagnosed with Cushings Disease in December of 2009.
In May of 2010 I had my first surgery to remove the Pitutitary tumor. It has been two and a half years and still tumor free.
I have other health issues due to the Cushings. I am a mother of two children and four beautiful grandchildren.
My husband has been wonderful through all this and so has my family.
May 8, 2026
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments blog, cortisol, cushing, Cushing Disease, cushing's syndrome, Endocrinology, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, pituitary, pituitary surgery, recovery Leave a comment
After constant wondering for over two years, I was sent to see an Endocrinologist about my weight. Numerous tests and an MRI, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease.
I am 2 months post pituitary operations and things are lookings up.
Heres to a road to recovery! 🙂
See my full story here: www.mylifeasacushie.blogspot.ca
May 7, 2026
Pituitary blog, cortisol, cushing, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, Family medicine, Health, pituitary, Weight loss Leave a comment
I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease January 2011. The doctors suspect I was suffering from it for at least 2 years prior to diagnosis.
I originaly thought I was just losing weight and having skin problems due to stress and getting older – even though I was still in my mid-late twenties.
A family friend and nurse told my mom one day that she thought I had Cushings and encouraged my mom to get me to look into it. Thank goodness I did. I had honestly nearly given up because I was so ashamed to go to doctors who just told me I needed to work out more and eat less. I was making an effort to lose weight but nothing worked! I told my mom no at first but after a few phone calls of her crying and begging me to go I finally agreed. I sat down at my computer and googled symptoms and sure enough I fit almost every descriptor on the Cushings list.
It took a few months to get into a specialist but my family doctor rushed it. I was so lucky to have this doctor. She was actually just covering for my regular doctor but she was the first one to take me seriously and really investigate my concerns.
Now, two years and three pituitary surgeries later things are looking good! I am back to work and feeling better than I can remember feeling in a long time. I have kept a blog sporadically documenting my experiences with Cushings that I invite you to read for more details on my bio. I hope that my story can be an inspiration to those who are feeling hopeless. I often felt that way but tried to stay positive and believe that one day I would be cured and fingers crossed, it seems like I am 🙂
It is possible to come out on top!! Best of luck to everyone 🙂
May 7, 2026
Male, Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments Alopecia, blurry vision, brain fog, brittle hair, bruising, Conditions and Diseases, CT scan, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, depression, edema, Health, hypertension, IPSS, Magnetic resonance imaging, moonface, petrosal sinus sampling, pituitary surgery, stomach, weight, X-ray computed tomography Leave a comment
The opening in a GE Signa MRI machine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
58 year old male.
In 2009 was in excellent health. Have suspected something wrong with me for two years. Just was not feeling like my old self.
Diagnosed with Cushings October 8th, 2012. Developed symptoms of: Stomach extension (looked like I was pregnant), round face, skin easily bruses and tears, edema on feet and legs, high blood pressure, depression, brittle hair and hair loss, lack of concentration, & blury vision. Cat scan and MRI were negative, IPSS proved positive for Cushings.
Pituitary surgery performed on December 4th, 2012. Two microedenomas identified and removed.
Recovery pending.
May 7, 2026
MaryO, Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments cortisol, cushing, Cushing Disease, cushing's syndrome, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, pituitary, pituitary surgery, surgery Leave a comment
Good Evening, My name is Stacy…I am 1 year Post-Op (2 Pituitary Surgeries in 3 days) and feel absolutely WONDERFUL!
After MUCH reflection I am thankful for what I have gone through. Although Cushing’s Disease is something I wouldn’t wish on any one; I must say I have been and am enriched day by day. Enriched with more knowledge and understanding and the ability to help others.
After 14 years of un-diagnosis FINALLY THERE WAS AN ANSWER. One, there was the Primary Care Physician who suggested it and there after this Board.
MaryO, without you I would probably be in my grave. Thank You for your dedication and sharing so much of your self with us! PS. Thank You for sending my Dear Friend Anne from Australia: she’s the BEST!
We adore you!
Stacy
May 7, 2026
Steroid-Induced, Thyroid bloodwork, cardiac ablation, Conditions and Diseases, depression, ER, Health, Medical Specialties, Medicine, pain, Pain Management, pericardium, pleurisy, Prednisone, PVC, thyroid, ultrasound, X-rays Leave a comment
I am 61 and have been taking prednisone for over 3 years without a successful taper. My journey begans with a cardiac ablation for PVC’s , that ended with my heart being punctured during the precedure. I came home after 2 days in the hospital without a problem. On the 3 day, pain in my chest was unbearable. I thought it was a heart attach. Called the Dr., he prescribed a prednisone pack, like you take for poison ivy. A week so later, I was in the ER with the same pain. More prednisone, higher dose. ER visits have been to many to count by now. Many chest exrays, ultra sounds, echos, with no sign of fluid around the pericardium.
Last ER visit, June 2012, this time it was pleruisy. Seems this inflamation just move around in my upper body. So higher doses of prednisone and send home to taper again. Today I had a bad day, as I have been trying to taper and the pain comes back, this time in my shoulder and right chest. I took 25 mg. today and am pain free now.
My problem other than addiction to prednisone is that no Dr. will treat me. My cardi says its not his problem, even my primary will not treat me. Says she will not prescribe prednisone. An endo. Dr. at John Hopkins prescribed me 1 mg. tablets last year with refil, however, I am down to my last bottle and using fast.. The endo was my thyroid Dr., had the thryoid removed last Aug., anyway, I would like to know if anyone out there knows a Dr. in the D.C/ Baltimore Metro area that they have used that treats prednisone addiction? I am lost to fix this., with no help so far, unless I end up in the ER, then that is only a temp. fix.
I went to my regular Dr. last week, as follow up to ER and she said, ”It sucks to be addicted to prednisone doesn’t it. ” Told me she couldn’t find anything wrong with me and was ready to leave, Iask if she could at least do blood work, make sure all was o.k., since I was on this drug. She signed the lab slip.I still have it, don’t even want to do that.. just depressed about the entire ordeal at this point.
Thanks for listening.
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