I’m a 25 year old who’s in the middle of being tested for Cushing’s.
I have very high anxiety, hirsutism, fatigue, muscle weakness, can’t lose weight, acne, irregular periods, very high testosterone (163, normal is below 79 for women), always thirsty & pee often, ect. Â My doctor referred me to an endocrinologist, and I was diagnosed with PCOS. Â My cortisol levels were never tested. Â I was put on birth control & metformin and the doctors told me that would help with everything.
After being on these medications for two years and seeing little to no improvement I started to do my own research. Â I went to my endocrinologist and brought up the possibility of Cushing’s. Â She assured me that it is too rare and I am fine. Â I would’ve just taken her word for it, because I figured she knew what she was talking about, but my wonderful husband pushed for us to go ahead and do the tests. Â I’m SO glad that he did. Â All of the many, many tests have come back abnormal. Â I’ve never had so many blood, urine, & saliva tests in my life! Â After months of testing, my doctor said that Cushing’s is looking more and more likely.
I struggle immensly with weight loss. Â My mother is a personal trainer and has always been in amazing shape. Â She & the rest of my family told me I wasn’t doing enough to lose weight. Â At one point I was working out 4 hrs EVERY DAY at the gym in addition to having a very physically demanding job. Â I was able to lose a couple pounds, but that was it. Â I eat healthy, and I’m not just saying that… I really do! Â haha! Â I’m a vegetarian, eat loads of fresh fruit & veggies, & try to keep my caloric intake to about 1500 calories a day! Â I recently found information that a lot of exercising can actually raise my cortisol levels, which are already high. Â So, I’ve taken my workouts down to brisk walking for 30-45 min. Â Which, after years of intense working out, is weird for me. Â I have never been able to lose weight on my belly and face.
I really struggle with anxiety & Irritability, and I hate it. Â I get anxious about everything and it drives me crazy. Â I compete in dog agility & get so anxious before & after I go into the ring that my pulse is over 180 & I shake (Just while I’m standing there!). Â I love the sport so much, though, that I’d never give it up! Â My dogs are my life! Â I want to be able to compete & be able to enjoy it more, without all the intense anxiety! Â I lack emotional control at times, and it tears me up. Â I am a very loving person, and hate putting my loved ones through that. Â When I lose my temper, I can’t control myself. Â Once I come down from it, I feel aweful & can’t believe the things I said or did. Â I feel like a crazy person!
I often have mental fogginess & insomnia as well. Â Trying to focus on something is difficult, which made college a real struggle. Â It’s not rare for me to go through patterns of insomnia, where I can only sleep a few hours a night.
Hoping to get officially diagnosed soon, so I can move forward with treatment. Â I’m so eager to get all this figured out and feel “normal” again!
~~~
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