 | Cushie Calendar
Week of May 21 2017 |  |
Into the brain through the nostrils
Sunday May 21
Image-guided (navigation-assisted) endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery is what we are about to view being performed in the country (Sri Lanka) only since October this year. For, the 38-year-old patient lying inert on the operating table has a tumour just above her pituitary gland, between the optic nerves and the carotid arteries, making it a difficult operation-site to access. (The pea-size pituitary gland is dubbed the ‘master gland’ as it produces many hormones for the whole body, while also stimulating other glands to produce other hormones.) Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/12/21/into-the-brain-through-the-nostrils-sri-lanka/ Adrenal Insufficiency: Primary and Secondary
Sunday May 21
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that develops when most of the adrenal gland is not functioning normally. Primary adrenal insufficiency arises due to the damage of the glands or because of using drugs that halt synthesis of cortisol. On the other hand, secondary adrenal insufficiency stems from processes that inhibit the secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the hypophysis as a result of a hypothalamic or pituitary pathology. The former is sometimes also referred to as tertiary adrenal insufficiency. Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/11/20/adrenal-insufficiency-primary-and-secondary/ Comment added to “Kristin T, Undiagnosed Bio”
Monday May 22
... I have every single symptom of Cushing’s, and I believe it is cyclical and has been happening for about 26 years. It will be what kills me, I fear. Of course, it will be deemed because of obesity and health issues related to it. It is frustrating that doctors just think-it’s so rare, this cannot be what’s wrong. I think it is rarely diagnosed because it us hard to get the tests to give the accurate information. I do not think they will ever diagnose me... Read more at http://wp.me/p3tb2N-r0 Add or update Your Bio
Tuesday May 23
The Add Your Bio form has been updated so that it no longer requires Flash. Your information will help others.
I would like to add that if anyone would like to do something for the Cushing's Awareness Challenge but you don't have (or want to have) a blog, why not consider adding your bio to the website this month?
More info at http://www.cushings-help.com/forms/bio.htm  Mist
68°/54°  Light drizzle
68°/56°  Partly cloudy
72°/58° Diagnostic Testing for Cushing's
Friday May 26
Diagnosis is based on a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Often x-ray exams of the adrenal or pituitary glands are useful for locating tumors. These tests help to determine if excess levels of cortisol are present and why. No single lab test is perfect, and usually, several are needed. The three most common tests used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome are the 24-hour urinary free cortisol test, the measurement of midnight plasma cortisol or late-night salivary cortisol, and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). Another test, the dexamethasone-corticotropin-releasing hormone (dexamethasone-CRH) test, may be needed to distinguish Cushing's syndrome from other causes of excess cortisol. Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Diagnostic_Testing Cushing's Disease or Syndrome?
Friday May 26
Cushing’s disease is the most common form of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome. It is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland that secretes excessive amounts of a hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Fortunately, this type of tumor is typically benign. Unlike a cancerous (malignant) tumor, a benign tumor stays in its original location and will not spread. After you are diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, it is important that your doctor continues the diagnostic process to determine the cause of hypercortisolism.
Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Cushing%27s_Disease_or_Syndrome%3F Adrenal Insufficiency
Friday May 26
In simple terms, Adrenal Insufficiency occurs when the body does not have enough cortisol in it. You see, cortisol is life sustaining and we actually do need cortisol to survive. You have probably seen the commercials about 'getting rid of extra belly fat' by lowering your cortisol. These advertisements make it hard for people to actually understand the importance of the function of cortisol.
Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Adrenal_Insufficiency Interview with Charlie (creativeogre)
Friday May 26
Charlie is not yet diagnosed with Cushing’s but has many symptoms. He writes, in part, “I understand that Cushing’s Disease is a very difficult disease to diagnose. However, it seems as though we have had to guide doctors through this process over the past year. If I sound bitter and frustrated, it is because I am! I have not been able to work over the past year. Tasks that used to take me several hours to complete now take two days. I can no longer walk the dog. I do not sleep well at night..” Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/07/10/interview-with-charlie-creativeogre  Light rain shower
74°/61° Pituitary Post-Op
Saturday May 27
After your physicians have determined that it is reasonably safe to discharge you from the hospital following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery there are a number of important situations that may arise. Most people feel well after discharge. However, you should be aware of these possible problems, just in case. The following general guidelines are provided to promote your health and safety. Headache, facial, and sinus pain are not uncommon following pituitary surgery. As you may have noted, the pain and discomfort typically improve on a daily basis following surgery. If you should experience a worsening of your pain or discomfort, please contact your neurosurgeon immediately. Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Pituitary_Post-Op
|
|
