July 10, 2013
MaryO
Hypothyroidism, Undiagnosed
24-hour urinary free cortisol, anemia, bloodwork, cardiologist, cotton swabs, cry, cushing, Cushing Syndrome, depression, dizziness, endocrinologist, fatigue, heart palpitations, hypothyroid, insomnia, Levothryroxine, Moxie, Multi-vitamin, PCP, saliva, sleep, Symptom, thyroid, UFC, vertigo, Vitamin B-12 Deficiency, Vitamin D Deficiency, Worry
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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June 25, 2013
MaryO
Golden Oldies, Undiagnosed
acne, bloodwork, cortisol, Cushing Syndrome, Health, lactating, Magnetic resonance imaging, Oregon, periods, Pituitary gland, PMS, prolactin, Symptom, tumor, weight
Liberty is not yet diagnosed, but possibly has a co-secreting tumor that is secreting prolactin and cortisol. She was told she might have a small tumor on her pituitary gland. Her bio was last updated 6/17/2008
~~~
My first symptom was that I was still lactating after a year of not nursing. I had looked on the computer to see if that was normal. I found a sight that said it was so I didn’t give it much more thought.
Then in July 2003 I was 5 days late having my peroid which has always been normal. Every month since then I have either been late or skipped it all together. I also started getting really bad acne and gaining weight.
The worst symptom is what I thought was PMS. It starts two weeks or so before my period and lasts about two to two and a half weeks. It is so bad I can hardly function. I can’t keep my house clean, I can’t bring myself to cook dinner, I lose my patience with my kids very easily. Then it goes away and just about the time I get back into the swing of things, it starts all over again.
So, I went to the doctor about 3 weeks ago and she said she would put me on birth control to regulate my periods. But first she wanted to run some blood work. So she did the blood work and two weeeks later I was told that my prolactin was high and that I might have a small tumor on my pituitary gland.
Then I was scheduled with a endocrinologist in February. I am going nuts waiting for this appt. I have been on the computer alot. I happened across a website for a pituitary unit in Oregon. I emailed the Dr. and he emailed me his # and told me to call. So, I did. I told him my symptoms and he asked me a few questions. He said he thinks I have a co-secreting tumor that is secreting prolactin and cortisol.
So, I just have to wait now.
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May 31, 2013
MaryO
Undiagnosed
ADHD, anxiety, bruising, concentration, cushing's syndrome, depression, fatigue, Health, high blood pressure, hirsuitism, hypertension, memory, migraines, mood swings, muscle weakness, obesity, sleeping problems, Stretch marks, Symptom, thin skin, Weight gain, Weight loss
Hello, I am in search of opinions please.
I present with most of the outward physical characteristics: age 57 “weight gain (obese which began about 1991 with a sudden 60 lb increase in 2 months and no explanation, physician had wanted me to go to a Mayo clinic for eval but at the time I could not spare time nor expense…and more recently continuring weight gain, easy bruising, (menses stopped at age 50, but don’t recollect too many probs except migraines), ravenous appetite, occasional trouble sleeping, depression or mood swings, anxiety, fatigue and altered mentation which is trouble concentrating or decreased memory and now diagnosed ADHD.
1-3. Physical abnormalities include new onset obesity, mine is more recent weight gain, primarily in the abdominal, buffalo hump which presented suddenly a few summers ago but has been brushed off by doctors…, rounding and reddening of the face which began about ten years ago, thin skin, decreased muscle strength, high blood pressure, and excess hair growth on face, have to shave every day, some times twice, have 5 o’clock shadow, but I have already been to a local endocrinologist in Billings, Montana, there are only a couple in this sparsely populated area, and none of the lab tests showed anything particularly abnormal…open to suggestions, thanks so much…
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May 12, 2013
MaryO
Undiagnosed
abscess, anger, Blood pressure, blurry vision, brain lesions, Buffalo hump, cholesterol, Conditions and Diseases, cushing's, cushing's syndrome, depression, fatty liver disease, hair loss, headache, Health, infections, memory, mood swings, moonface, Multiple sclerosis, pain, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy, sleeping problems, sports, Stretch marks, striae, surgery, sweat, swelling, Symptom, UFC, urine, weight
Hi my name is Kristi and I’m seeking any help or advice on Cushings.
I had always been active growing up into sports, running, weight lifting and horseback riding.
27 Yrs ago I gave birth to a beautiful healthy daughter. I was a size 10 and had only gained 25 LBS during prignancy. Less then a year later I was carrying my second daughter. I had no appetite and could barely eat but was gaining 10 pds every other day. My blood pressure soared and I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I have been sick ever since I gave birth.
In the past 20yrs I have put on over 150 lbs and I can’t get it off. I was told I had a fatty liver and my cholesterol and triglicerites are off the chart. I began having memory trouble even forgetting my daughters name, hair loss, blurred vision (even typing this is slow going so forgive any mistakes) I started falling, loosing bladder and bowel control, walk into walls, tables and door frames/ I’ve had bouts of blndness and layered viion (Multiple Sclerosis has been ruled out) chronic body and nerve pain, horrible mood swings from happy, depressed, anger, intolerance (it’s like a daily rollar coaster ride) SEVERE salt cravings, low body temp, heaviness in legs, bruising, infections, trouble healing, brain lesions., trouble sleeping. Get cyst on my breast, head, ears and pubic area. Have little hard bumps on pubic area that never go away. No sex drive left for husband and even when we are active it’s very painful.. Major swelling in face, neck, legs and feet, backaches, headaches. When I stand up I feel like I get a head rush or lightheaded and I flap my arms to stay up or I fall back into bed or chair. I sweat even in winter. I do have the buffalo hump, the stretch marks, the moon face, brain lesions and the discolored skin under breast, behind neck and arm pits.
Dec. 6th I had a carbuncle which had develped staff and mrsa removed from my armpit. My whole armpit had to be removed and a couple weeks later I developed an abcess and had to go back to surgery. It has been 5 months and I still can’t heal. Have been packing the wound every day and seeing the surgeon every 2 wks. Now I have a carbuncle on the other side and I’m facing more painful surgery after this side heals.
Today I recieved a call that the urine test I took for cushings came back with normal levels. Needless to say I sat down and sobbed. I am 46 yrs old and I have been sick for half my life. I have seen so may doctors, been through so many surgeries and painful testings. I have been told over and over that there is something wrong but the Doctors can’t find it. I thought cushings was the answer and that I could finally get treatment and get better. I look in the mirror and I don’t recogize this person I see….How will I start over again on this long search for answers? Where will I get the strength?
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May 9, 2013
MaryO
Undiagnosed
Buffalo hump, cushing's syndrome, depression, Health, Low-carbohydrate diet, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Stretch marks, Symptom, tired, Weight Watchers
i am not sure that i have cushings yet, as i have just made my first appointment to discuss this with my dr.
I first noticed a small hump on my back about a year ago, but just assumed it was poor posture. (yes, i tend to slouch a lot).But, i have been gaining weight steadily, despite weight watchers, low carb diets, trying to exercise regularly (difficult when you are so tired you can hardly get off the couch) (i assumed this was due to depression). i’ve gained about 40 pounds over the past year. I realize this doesnt sound like a lot , when some people with this disease gain that in a couple of months, but ive always been able to lose really easily.
I dont have stretch marks either, but i have so many other side effects listed (the buffalo hump it seems distinguishes this from a lot of other things. im really scared that ill have this disease, but on the other hand, at least i’d know what is happening to me. I just cant get a hold on my own body. its so awful.
I dont know who to ask, but is there any other disease that has similar symptoms AND a hump?
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May 6, 2013
MaryO
Pituitary
allergies, Birth control, brain fog, cortisol, cushing, cushing's syndrome, hair loss, headache, hirsuitism, PCOS, period, Polycystic ovary syndrome, rash, saliva, sinus infections, Stretch marks, striae, Symptom, tired, ultrasound, weak, weight
Hi!
My name is Marki, and I am a 21 year old student. I have been suffering from Cushing’s-like symptoms for a while now, and the doctor at my college health center just recently told me that I most likely have Cushing’s.
My symptoms have all intensified over the past few years. I have gained almost 60 pounds in the last 11 months, I feel weak and tired almost all the time and my muscles have gotten so weak that I have a hard time walking up 2 flights of stairs to my apartment. I sleep for at least 10 hours a night, and have to set at least 5 alarms to be able to wake up for my 9:15 class, and I still end up missing it a lot of the time. I feel like I am walking around in a fog most of the time, and school is harder than it’s ever been. I am having a really hard time retaining information, even after studying for hours.
About 3 years ago I started growing hair under my chin, and getting stretch marks on my boobs. The stretch marks have now appeared on my belly below and around my belly button. My hair has always been really thick, and I have noticed that it is a lot thinner than it has ever been. I have also developed a lot of new allergies, including raspberries, tide laundry soap, nickel, and something else that I haven’t figured out yet, so I have a rash all over my stomach, armpits and thighs. I have had severe headaches since I was about 14, and they are getting more and more common. I also get frequent sinus infections. I got implanon (a type of birth control that they implant in your arm) about a year ago, and haven’t had a period since it was inserted. I have been on birth control (perscribed because of the hair on my chin) since I was 17, so I don’t really know if my period would be regular without it or not.
When I went into the health center I told the doctor about all of these symptoms, and his first thought was PCOS. I had an ultrasound, and there were no cysts. He then started testing me for Cushing’s and referred me to an endo in San Francisco. The endo ordered both a 24 hour urine test and a midnight saliva to be done before my appointment. These were the results:
24 hour-
range- 0-50
me- 49.7
Midnight saliva-
range- .5-1
me- 9.16
So, my free cortisol was within range, and my saliva was more that 9 times the normal levels. I have read a lot about Cushing’s in the last two weeks, but I still have a lot of questions! If anyone has any advice on how to deal with the sleep issues, what tests to request, or any other advice, I would really appreciate it! I need to figure out how to stay awake during the day so I can pass my classes!
Update:
My names Marki, and I am a 21 year old senior at Westmont College. After I finish my bachelors I plan on going to Physicians Assistant school to get my masters. This has been a crazy year for me. A few months ago, my doctor told me that I might have Cushing’s, and since then it has been a constant parade of tests. My body and attitude have changed SO much, and it is making school and life in general really hard. I am lucky to have the support of my family and friends, and I can’t wait to get through this and get on with my life! If anyone has any advice, feel free to message me 🙂
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May 4, 2013
MaryO
Undiagnosed
acne, Bipolar, blurry vision, brain fog, bruising, Buffalo hump, candidiasis, central obesity, colonoscopy, cushing, cushing's syndrome, depression, duodenitis, edema, endoscopy, esophagitis, fatigue, GERD, headache, Health, heat intolerance, hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia, hirsuitism, IBS, mood swings, moonface, pain, polyps, Primary care physician, Shopping, skin tags, stomach erythema, Stretch marks, striae, Symptom, thin skin, weight, Weight loss
Hello, my name is Dana. I am a 43 year old female. I live near Dallas, TX. I attend college and spend allot of my time taking care of my crazy family, whom I love very much. After reading posts on this site I decided to document my symptoms and experiences.
A couple of days ago I was discussing my endoscopy and colonoscopy results with my mother-in-law. They showed I have GERD, esophagitis, stomach erythema, duodenitis, hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, nine polyps, and IBS. Wow. After all that she asked me if I was checked for goiter. GOITER? I told her I was just fat. Over the last several years I have gained weight. I did the Atkins diet in 2000 and lost 70 lbs, but gained back 100. Most of my weight is in my abdomen, face and neck. I have relatively small legs, hips and rear. I have had several people think I was pregnant and told how disproportionate my body is. Recently my kids and even my 4 year old grandson have commented on my weight and health. I have noticed that my neck is getting larger, despite being the same weight for a while now. I have poor eating habits, which I am trying to change. I only eat once or twice a day and I am an active person. I do not exercise except for walking. After my mother-in-laws comment I decided to do some research.
I have almost every symptom of Cushing’s. Central obesity, thinning skin and bruising, especially on my hands. Oral candidiasis, axillary and cervical skin tags, round, fat, red face and neck, oily skin and hair with recent increased acne, headaches, fat pad on back of neck, blurry vision, fatigue, back pain, arm weakness, heat intolerance, pain in joints and swelling in hands and feet, thirst, facial hair, and increased heart rate at weird times. I have been treated for depression/bi-polar for several years now. It took two and a half years of experimenting to find something that would keep me stable. I still have emotional instability, depression, cognitive difficulties, and mood swings. I have many stretch marks but only a few are red. I have very fair skin so my coloring is not the same as others. The only symptoms I do not have are irregular periods. I do have what feels like a soft mass under my chin fat. There are lymph nodes under the area, so this could be the cause.
I pray I am able to find a doctor who will not dismiss my symptoms as some of you have experienced. My first appointment will be next week with my primary care physician and we will go from there. Wish me luck and I will update regularly.
Does anyone know of a good endocrinologist in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area?
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May 4, 2013
MaryO
PCOS, Undiagnosed
Blood test, Buffalo hump, cushing's syndrome, moonface, PCOS, periods, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Stretch marks, striae, Symptom, Weight gain
Hii my name is Sabrena and i am only 16 years old,
i realised i had all the symptoms of Cushings disease about a week ago. I started seeing the fact that i am constantly gaining weight, i went to see my doctor and i told her about it i told her i had all the symptoms of CD and i am constantly gaining weight each day i have stretch marks on my abodmen, my arms and back too, my periods dont come for about 3month sometimes more/ or less.
My doctor said she doesnt think i have CD because my face is Oval not Moon,
is this TRUE can someone not have cushing’s disease just because their face is Oval,
someone Help please as i have had these symptoms for a long time, and my doctor is putting aside the fact that it might be CD because i dont have a moon face she thinks it might be PCOS instead.
The problem is that PCOS doesnt cause weight gain and i am a person with a very small appetite and i am constantly gaining weight plus i already have the buffalo hump too.
My doctor still send me for a blood test but i am not sure whether that is enough to prove that i have Cushing’s disease.
HELP!!
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