May 8, 2026
MaryO
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
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
MaryO
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
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
MaryO
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments
cancer, Conditions and Diseases, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, Pituitary adenoma, pituitary surgery, tumor
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
MaryO
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments
blog, cortisol, cushing, Cushing Disease, cushing's syndrome, Endocrinology, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, pituitary, pituitary surgery, recovery
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
MaryO
Pituitary
blog, cortisol, cushing, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, Family medicine, Health, pituitary, Weight loss
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 🙂
http://pushingthroughcushings.blogspot.ca
May 7, 2026
MaryO
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
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
MaryO, Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Treatments
cortisol, cushing, Cushing Disease, cushing's syndrome, Health, Magnetic resonance imaging, pituitary, pituitary surgery, surgery
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
MaryO
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
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.
May 7, 2026
MaryO
Diabetes, Hashimoto's, Undiagnosed
ACTH, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, biopsy, Blood test, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cortisol, cushing's syndrome, Endocrine Disorders, eyes, fat, fatigue, goiter, hair, Hashimoto's, headache, Health, hirsuitism, insulin resistance, muffin top, nodule, osteopenia, pain, saliva, sleep, Thyroid scan, UFC, urinalysis, Victoza, weight, X-ray computed tomography
I have been seeing the endo for the last couple of weeks. Lots of blood tests, saliva test, 24 hour urine test. Thyroid scan, with nodules, thyroid biopsy benign, small goiter,and diagnosed with hashimoto.
Currently type 2 diabetic fairly controlled with Victoza, but very insulin resistance. First blood tests showed high cortisol, high ACTH, second series of blood tests showed normal to high cortisol and still high ACTH. Doctor said possible cushings. Have had extreme fatigue, beard on chin. Muscle and bone pain consistently. Wake up with headache and extreme fatigue.Bone scan diagnosed with osteopenia. Appt. with endo tomorrow to get results of 24 hr. urine test. Salavia test said was normal.
Have problems with sleep, sleep all day off and on, or have days when I cannot go to sleep at all. She said that I had the hump, muffin top, and belly fat, lean arms and legs. Eyes are puffy all the time now. Have problems losing weight even though I eat healthy all the time, and have excluded gluten, sugar, and going to go diary free. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit as well as a little protein. Have not had a mri or cat scan yet. Probably will be next on the list. Will post after my doctor’s appt. tomorrow and update my bio.
I have a lot of symptoms of cushings and she mentioned this with my second doctors visit after the first series of blood test, but wanted to do other tests to make sure.
May 6, 2026
MaryO
Adrenal Insufficiency, Adrenal Surgery, Bipolar, Diabetes, Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, Recurrence, Thyroid, Treatments
Addison's disease, Adrenal, adrenal gland, adrenal glands, Austin Powers, bilateral adrenalectomy, Bipolar, BLA, cushing, cushing's syndrome, Depakote, diabetes, dog, dopamine, double vision, e. coli, Family medicine, fatigue, fludrocort, Health, heart attack, hydrocortisone, OHSU, Paul Newman, potassium, recurrence, thyroid, Vicodin, vomiting, weight
I Am 52 yrs. old . My sympmtoms began when I was 40 yrs. old. I was at at a yearly physical. I was extremeley athletic. I used to ren 70 miles a week. when I was 17 to 19… dopamine I believe kept me well.
One year prior to my symptoms ..I was 39. I was very fatiquiged..my children were suffwering. They were 6 and 9. They are now 17 and 20. I feel I stopped raising them at this age. If any of you have seen the Sting the movie with Paul Newman obbserve that he dunked his head in ice. I was at Lincoln city , Oregon when I attemted this. procedure. I say procedure and I didn’t even know a tumor was forming on my pituairy gland. Who kneew? Not me. It didn’t even occur to me that a growth was growing in my brain!!
I went from 135lb to 265lb. in 3 months. I was so frightented!!!!!!!!!! My doctor told me to go to an encronologist…very important DOCTOR!!! Most doctors do not have the slighist idea what Cuhing’s is ..Dogs ,horses, and PEOPLE get it. Some doctors are either dumb or totally ignorant. The E. doctor said it looked like I had Cushing’s syndrome. I then made him fall off his chair in laughfter! My family and I recently put a family dog down with Cushing’s disease. I wanted to know if it was contagious?? No, he said wiping his eyes from laughing. He appologigized when I started crying.. I wanted to know how I got it. My dogs was in the adrenal glands. Fatal. We said goog-bye to BUDDY>> My doctor said he hoped I did not have the same dianosis.
After thousands of dollars later..Thank goodness we had great West insuanarce..Get it if you can. Covered everything 100 percent. Discovered a benign tumor on my left pituiary gland. They removed it through my nose . I also had my 9th sinus surgury. It was also from my left nostril. I got fake diabetes. It went away when I left the hospital. The weight started dropping with the help of a nutrisionist. I was taking hydrocortisone. pills. I lost 65 lbs. A few years later my head started hurtimg worse.
After One day of test at a major University OHSU I was diagnosed again with the same tumor . but 3x’s bigger . Surgery through my mouth. Weight came back and some. I asked what my options were? #00lbs, heart attack and death. They told me to remove my adrenal glands. I did. I now have diabetes ,I take 200mg. because my thyroid is so large. Guiess what?? My immunec system is nill.
I wanted to be healthy I loved bananas… get what I got ?? I got the e-coli scare with the spinacach in the bag. E.R. 3 weeks . Everyone in yellow smocks.. No visitors! June 2007… I lost 40 lbs. I was going out to lunch with my husband saw double. Uncontrollable votimiting… E.R. Encronologist. or family doctor. After driving 90 miles an hour 45 minutes away we arrived. I was talking all the way through it . No pulse ..I said am I dead? My doctor said Shut up. No heartbeat. I said am I dead yet? She said shut up agin. I wass vvvvvvvvv teching. I said where are the cameras for HOUSE the t.v. show. I sell novelty neck ties my huband Allen just so happenned to be wearing a Bug’s Bunny tie…I guess you know what i said ..What’s up doc??
The Paramedic behind me was 2x’s larger than my husband He said I was going to the hospital. They put me in the ambulance. Allen asked my husband if he wanted to come . He said he would follow. When they closed the door Allen said if you feel anytjhing hit my knee. 10 seconds later I hit his knee as hard as I could. I felt an elephant!! If you want me to tell you what death is ask me. I died for 5 seconds. plus I was clinically dead at the doctor’s office. My potassium level was7 normal is 4.2 to 5. If anyone has seen Austin Powers drinking poop quadruaple it I attempted to drink it. Started vomiting it. A Doctor was walking by…USE ANOTHER ORAFACE!!!! The butt. I was drowning. Needless to say , my children were screwed up again.. I called the oldest Brandon ,the youngest Nathan and a very nice gentleman if i wasn’t married I would marry him…SHAROn 14, MEGAN 11 and ALLEN!! I now take fludocrt and hydrocortisone @ 4:00 P.M. everydyt. If I miss two consecutive days I will die.
I am also Bi polar I feel their is a correlation with Cushing’s disease. I take Depacote etc. 12 more pills plus hydrocortosone in the morning too! I Have 2 books at home Manic Depressive Disorder. By Fredrick Goodwin and Jay Jamison. Worth reading. Stated Cushing:s disease is derived and assossiated with bipolar. I believe I have been bi polar from birth. Only episodes I had as a child…TRAUMA!!!!! I now have addison’s disease too! What else could go wrong?
By the way, I have a theory bipolar is assosiated chromosome 13. I also think cancer is a virus. Hit or miss. Cushing’s is fatal i not treated properly. Adrenalectomies are the worst . Take Vicatin .I threw it at my husband I did not want to get addicted to it like House. I used ice 24/7. I won’t go into the detatails it was bad. If you do get one , move I used a swifter, and a cane. No wheel chair or death for me!! I’m a fighter!!
Thank you for allowing me me to tell my story. I want to write a book about my experiences. I hope there is a publisher out there so I can get my Life story across!!
Sincerely,,
Linda
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