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Melissa (MelissaZ), Steroid-Induced Cushing’s Bio

November 4, 2013

MaryO Steroid-Induced , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Hello, my name is Melissa and I have Cushings due to long term Steroid use.

In April of 2012, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and anemia.

About a month after my diagnosis, I started to have repeated sinus infections in my left nostril. After going through a number of antibiotics, my primary did a Cat-Scan which showed a growth the size of a quarter behind my eye.

I was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease called Idiopathic Orbital Inflammatory Syndrome (IOIS). Treatment for this was a high dose of Prednisone (steroid. 80mgs per day), which I was being tapered off of but because I was being tapered too fast, the IOIS relapsed so I went back on the high dose again and then tapered from there.

I have been off of the steroids now for 4 months and left with Cushings. I gained 120lbs which is the major of my complaint. I am moody, I do have irregular menstrual cycles, sore muscles (especially in the morning when I wake up), fatigue, memory loss, and a slight hump.

I don’t think my symptoms are as severe as the majority of people here, however, I am 318lbs and extremely misereable with my weight. I have started a nutrition regimen and hoping to drop at least 10-20lbs so that I am more comfortable to work out. I pray everyday that this will go away sooner than I am told it will.

Unfortunately, I am still having issues with my eye as well as problems keeping my sugar levels down. I’m up for any advice and will be more than grateful to share and compare stories with others.

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Renee (Renee), Pituitary Bio

May 8, 2013

MaryO Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, pseudotumor cerebri, Rathke's Cleft Cyst, Treatments , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

pituitary-location

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!!

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