... Something so scary happening that they have to use a code to bring nurses and security guards on the run.    

     Shifting in bed, tugging at the blue gown to close the gap at the back, I feel the poetic justice of it all. My mother, forty-years later, finding a way to punish me from the grave, for sending her to the asylum, to make me crazy like her.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2018/01/21/janice-not-so-cushie-upcoming-book-installment-3/

In April 2017, the patient arrived at the emergency room with sepsis — a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection — that originated in the gut.

Because ketoconazole had failed to lower cortisol levels, the patient started receiving infused etomidate, an inhibitor of the enzyme 11‐beta‐hydroxylase that prevents cortisol synthesis.

This treatment was stopped one day before the bilateral removal of the adrenal glands as a definitive treatment for the elevated production of cortisol.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/05/18/etomidate-found-effective-in-severe-cushings-syndrome/

Functional remission did not occur in most patients with Cushing syndrome who were considered to be in biochemical and clinical remission, according to a study published in Endocrine. This was evidenced by their quality of life, which remained impaired in all domains.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/08/18/cushing-syndrome-results-in-poor-quality-of-life-even-after-remission/

“Cortisol levels, as represented by late-night salivary cortisol, in Cushing’s disease patients without variable symptoms fluctuate much more widely than many endocrinologists may realize,” Laurence Kennedy, MD, FRCP, chairman of the department of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the Cleveland Clinic, told Endocrine Today. “In patients with recurrent or persistent Cushing’s disease, the late-night salivary cortisol can be normal much more frequently than has been appreciated.”

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/01/18/late-night-salivary-cortisol-often-fluctuates-widely-in-cushings-disease/

One is from Pittsburgh, PA, i from Udine, Italy snd one from Roanoke, VA

See the MemberMap

A “friend” pushed me and I hit my head on a radiator and broke it and a few months after a tumor grew. I’ve been having symptoms ever since. Could I go after here and get compensation for medical care I need now?

in the comments area of http://cushieblog.com/2016/12/21/pituitary-dysfunction-as-a-result-of-traumatic-brain-injury

#3– DO NOT MAKE IT “PRETTY” OR “NOT SO OBVIOUS”. I can not stress this enough. Ladies I know that you want the cute ones that look like normal bracelets, and have pretty charms, etc on them… THE ENTIRE point of a medical alert bracelet is that someone needs to see it and know that they should look at it. If it looks like a regular bracelet or regular necklace and it isn’t obvious within the first 3 seconds once we get to you and look in the obvious places (neck/wrist). it will NOT get seen. I promise you, we are too busy trying to play the guessing game of why you are not responding, than to take a look at every single piece of regular jewelry and see if it might have a really small inscribing of what is wrong with you. Once again. Make it noticeable. We will see that we need to look at it. Once we do. The guessing game is more than likely OVER. and we can begin to treat you appropriately.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/07/18/yes-you-need-a-medical-alert-bracelet/

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/

Listen as Monica (Monicaroni) talks about the challenges she’s faced maintaining her music career while in testing and treatment. Monica was diagnosed with Cyclical Cushing’s. She had pituitary surgery in November 2006. An 8mm encapsulated pituitary tumor was removed. Since there was no post-op crash, she also had a BLA in December 2006.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/05/02/interview-with-monica-pituitary-survivor

This is a Myth. More current research has explored multiple etiologies of Cushing’s. It was once thought that heredity had no influence on the development of Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease and our knowledge was once limited in this sense.

Read more at  https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/18/myths-and-facts-about-cushings-men1-and-men2-are-the-only-genetic-causes-of-cushings/

http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Pituitary_Hormones

Krista is from Eugene, OR   She had pituitary surgery in April, 2015.  She has also dealt with thyroid cancer.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2018/11/19/krista-pituitary-bio/

In her bio, Krista added her helpful doctor, Maria Fleseriu

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/11/19/helpful-doctors-oregon/

I’m just in the process of getting diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome but I just wanted to let you know that virtually everything you described is also happening to me, symptoms wise...

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2016/05/04/susanna-n-susanna-nolt-pituitary-bio/

I dropped by this site because my friend’s daughter has Cushings and I wanted to learn more. Is there any chance that Cushings might be manageable or improvable in a way similar to what Izabella Wentz proposes for Hashimotos?

Can you help?  https://cushingsbios.com/2018/11/17/jayne-in-the-media/

“Medical treatment is a reasonable treatment option for Cushing’s disease patients in case of a contraindication for surgery, a recurrence, or in patients choosing not to have surgery,” Broersen told Endocrine Today. “In case of side effects or no treatment effect, an alternate medical therapy or combination therapy can be considered.”

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/07/19/medical-therapy-reasonable-option-vs-surgery-in-cushings-disease/

In the past decade, several studies in adults and children have described the risk of pituitary dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a result, an international consensus statement recommended follow-up on the survivors.

More info at https://cushieblog.com/2016/11/21/pituitary-dysfunction-after-traumatic-brain-injury-are-there-definitive-data-in-children/

Ferol started noticing irregular symptoms in her late 20’s, but more developed since 2001, and rapidly more chronic as time went by. Finally, at her March 2005 physical, she had enough symptoms listed for her GP to start getting the connection to Cushing’s.

She was immediately referred to Dr. Adam Spitz, endocrinologist, with a battery of tests confirmed the initial diagnosis. Her pituitary surgery was performed 09-30-05. She has lost 30+ pounds after reaching a high of 190 prior to surgery.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/05/08/interview-with-ferolv-pituitary-survivor

How is your daughter doing? I have an adrenal adenoma and am having a right adrenalectomy soon...

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2018/11/14/sahana-sahana-adrenal-bio/

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 https://cushingsbios.com/2018/08/28/we-have-a-new-bio-form/

I had surgery last October for Cushing’s syndrome; had adrenal gland tumor (incidentaloma) and gland removed. Last two years have been a nightmare..

In the comments area at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/08/have-you-had-treatment-for-cushings/

Jackie (samsmom) & Jordan: Cushing’s in young people, the fight to diagnose, the amazing gift of a GOOD endocrinologist. Jackie has appeared on Discovery Health discussing her fight for a cure for her younger daughter, as well. Later, the gene responsible for Sam’s illness was found. Her father carried the gene as did her two sisters. Jordan, Jackie’s oldest daughter, has recently had her adrenals removed.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/05/15/interview-with-jackie-samsmon-jordan

Fact: Everyone does NOT have the exact same symptoms. Not all Cushing’s patients are exactly the same. This is one mistake that non experts tend to make in terms of categorizing patients by whether they meet the exact same classic symptoms or not... 

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/20/myths-and-facts-about-cushings-all-cushings-patients-have-the-exact-same-symptoms/

...My daughter was recently diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome as a result of her use of corticosteroids also. She has stopped taking them completely, but it’s only been 5 months, and she is still suffering from the debilitating affects (weight gain, depression, hair loss, back pain, back hump, etc.). Is there any light at the end of the tunnel?...

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2016/04/20/kate-n-kate-nc-steroid-induced-cushings/

Stacy is from Greencastle, Indiana.  She has  tumors on both adrenals and one on her pituitary gland.   Her endo offered to put her on a new trial drug in which she declined.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2018/01/20/stacy-b-pituitary-adrenal-bio/

More than a century ago, Harvey Cushing introduced the term “pluriglandular syndrome” to describe a disorder characterized by rapid development of central obesity, arterial hypertension, proximal muscle weakness, diabetes mellitus, oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, thin skin, and ecchymoses.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/04/18/diagnosis-and-differential-diagnosis-of-cushings-syndrome/

I am 54. I understand what you are going through. I too have this disease. I just want you to know that you are NOT alone.

In the comments area of https://cushingsbios.com/2018/03/03/cyndi-k-what-now-undiagnosed-bio/

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following Cushing’s disease is a real issue many of us face. However, we don’t have to let it control our lives — there are ways to cope.

Cushing’s changes us both mentally and physically. We become forgetful. We lose strength. We become someone we don’t recognize in the mirror. We lose hair on our heads and gain it everywhere else. We’re always in pain, and we’re always sick, with no end in sight (or at least it feels that way).

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/10/20/finding-ways-to-deal-with-post-surgery-anxieties/

I was told that I have Cushing's disease, which has caused diabetes, high blood pressure, hunger, weight gain and muscle loss. I was never sick before this, and I did not have any of those things. I am told I have a tumor on my right adrenal gland. I have been to numerous doctors, but most have not been too helpful.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/10/04/cushings-disease-best-treated-by-endocrinologist/

If left untreated, adrenal insufficiency can cause serious illness or death. But by working with their doctors and nurses, patients can learn how to manage this condition.

Learn more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Adrenal_Crisis!

Good general info for anyone, no matter what symptoms or disease you may have.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Help_Yourself,_Part_3

Getting a diagnosis and dealing with tests can be a very trying time. Here are some words you'll want to know.

Find them at http://www.cushings-help.com/definitions.htm

Unfortunately, problems with the pituitary gland may not always be visible on MRIs or other imaging tests because the pituitary is so small. Endocrinologists who handle hormone therapy frequently are not familiar with brain injuries, and may not make the connection that your brain injury was the cause of the problem.

Read more at http://cushieblog.com/2016/12/21/pituitary-dysfunction-as-a-result-of-traumatic-brain-injury

I see a doctor at Vanderbilt who specializes in Cushings. I am very grateful that I found her but she never talks about the fatigue. I really wish this was discussed more. I’m not even sure if I have the energy to continue to work...

In the comments area of https://cushingsbios.com/2018/04/03/tamara-k-pituitary-bio/

Recurrence of hypercortisolism in patients after bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing’s disease is extremely rare.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/12/21/bilateral-testicular-tumors-resulting-in-recurrent-cushings-syndrome-after-bilateral-adrenalectomy/

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/

Clinicians should be aware that even extremely low doses of topical ocular steroid therapy can cause iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/21/topical-ocular-glucocorticoid-leads-to-cushings-syndrome-in-9-year-old/

A moment in the scheming mind of Professor Pituitary and his sidekick, Dr. Hypothalamus!! And... their minions, the Hormonal Kitties!

View the video at https://cushieblog.com/2017/02/15/an-amusing-look-at-hormones-and-the-pituitary-gland/

A patient with depression developed Cushing’s syndrome (CS) because of a rare ACTH-secreting small cell cancer of the prostate, a case study reports.

Read more at http://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/54471-rare-prostate-cancer-associated-with-cushing%E2%80%99s-syndrome/

The team found that cortisol levels below 5 μg/dL by 15 hours after surgery or below 2 μg/dL in the first 21 hours may “accurately predict durable remission in the intermediate term.

Read more at http://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/54359-low-cortisol-levels-hours-after-surgery-predict-long-term-remission-in-cushing%E2%80%99s-patients/?tab=comments#comment-473961

I remember my first guest post in 2007, was overjoyed to find I wasn't the only medical anomaly lol!

Congratulations to Cushing's Help for coming of age! ?

Posted at https://cushieblogger.com/testimonial/melanie-c/

What do you think?  Are your allergies worse or are you having new ones after being post-op Cushing's?

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/10/21/what-do-you-think-2/

Nursing notes and video on Addison's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome/Disease

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/05/02/addisons-disease-vs-cushings-syndrome-nursing/

Fact: 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  https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/22/myths-and-facts-about-cushings-each-person-requires-the-same-dose-of-steroid-in-order-to-survive/

Macimorelin stimulates the secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland into the circulatory system. Stimulated growth-hormone levels are measured in four blood samples over 90 minutes after oral administration of the agent for the assessment of growth-hormone deficiency.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/12/22/oral-test-for-adult-growth-hormone-deficiency-approved-in-us/

I definitely know how you feel. My MRI confirmed a Pituitary Tumor 13x16mm (benign/macroadenoma). Just got officially diagnosed last week...

In the comments area of https://cushingsbios.com/2018/04/02/roxanna-dawn-undiagnosed-bio/

The Endocrine Society today (10/13/16) issued a Clinical Practice Guideline that recommends treating insufficient hormone levels in individuals with hypopituitarism by replacing hormones at levels as close to the body's natural patterns as possible.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/10/15/endocrine-society-issues-new-guidelines-on-hypopituitarism/

... 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

Steve Owens (sowens) returned on May 29, 7:30. His topic was building up support networks and using available agencies to get back to work (rehab, PT/OT, job coaches, etc)...

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/05/29/steve-owens-sowens-returns-to-talk-about-support-networks-and-agencies

Yes absolutely. Post surgery 7 years and I have low tolerance for food and real allergies to things and food.

From https://cushieblogger.com/2018/10/21/what-do-you-think-2/

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

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

I was diagnosed with ACTH independent cyclical cushings. It took 5 years to get a diagnosis...

In the comments area of https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/16/myths-and-facts-about-cushings-ufcs-are-the-gold-standard-for-cushings-testing/

Patients with adrenal insufficiency may accrue substantial health care costs and have more hospital stays and outpatient visits compared with healthy controls, according to findings published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/04/23/health-care-expenditure-burden-high-in-adrenal-insufficiency/

Heather, pituitary surgery on January 18, 2006 after years of medical problems, June 5, 7:30PM 

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/06/05/interview-with-heather-s-pituitary-cushings-survivor

http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Pituitary_Hormones

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

Because tumors within the skull cannot be palpated, researchers used Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) to assess pituitary tumor stiffness by measuring waves transmitted through the skull into pituitary macroadenomas (PMAs). MRE reliably identified tumors that were soft enough for removal with a minimally-invasive suction technique versus harder tumors requiring more invasive surgery.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/28/imaging-technique-measures-tumor-stiffness-to-aid-surgical-planning/

Kate (Fairley), July 17, 2008. Kate had symptoms since 1991. She had two pituitary surgeries and another recurrence. She is not yet cured and her current diagnoses are Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, panhypopituitarism and a CSF leak. She has appeared on National Geographic TV in the Science of Obesity.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/07/17/interview-with-kate-fairley

Sadly, Kate was only 46 when she died on June 23, 2014.  Her bio and video can be found here: https://cushingsbios.com/2015/06/23/1623/

Fact:  However, in the case of the chronically ill, a different cycle occurs. In the chronically ill, the person loses his normal health. He goes through a period of treatment and sometimes recovers...

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/24/myths-and-facts-about-cushings-you-should-be-all-better-by-now/

Is it possible to have cushing disease without high blood pressure? they are experiencing a lot of the other symptoms kidney stones, headache, fatigue, joint pain, stretch marks on back, abdomen, arms, breasts, hair loss, obesity in stomach area, potbelly, thin legs, memory issues, thinning of skin, irregular periods, oily skin, acne, puffy face etc.

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/03/31/can-you-help-with-a-guest-question/

The Guest Forum has returned.  At the moment, new guest questions are not moderated.

Check it out at http://cushings.invisionzone.com/index.php?/forum/316-guest-forum/

When a brain tumor was found to be 'MRI-negative' in a 28-year-old female patient, physicians at the USC's Pituitary Center were unsatisfied with the results. After deciding to use the Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute's (INI) new ultrahigh field 7 Tesla MRI scanner to localize the tumor, the patient was officially diagnosed with Cushing's disease and researchers were finally able be see the tumor that would've otherwise appeared hidden in a standard MRI.  

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/03/24/uscs-7-tesla-mri-scanner-first-to-identify-cushings-disease-in-us-patient/

A plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone suppression test performed shortly after surgical adenomectomy may accurately predict both short- and long-term remission of Cushing’s disease.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/08/24/acth-test-after-adenomectomy-may-accurately-predict-cushings-disease-remission/

Cushing’s disease patients whose pituitary tumors carry a USP8 mutation are more likely to achieve remission after surgery than those without such mutations, a retrospective Italian study found.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/10/24/cushings-disease-patients-with-usp8-mutations-more-likely-to-achieve-remission-after-surgery/

Happy B-day MaryO & the message boards! Mary, I'm convinced you won't know till you get to heaven, how many lives you've help save & how much comfort you've brought to some of the sickest people on earth. Can't thank you enough!

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/testimonial/gina-g-2/

This site saved my life when I suffered through Cushing's. Thanks to Mary O and her dedication. Cushing's Help and Support helped out so many people suffering through Cushing's. I miss Sue and Cookie so much.

From https://cushieblogger.com/testimonial/erin-g/

Surgical removal of tumors in the pituitary gland of the brain remains the gold standard for Cushing’s disease treatment.

Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) usually leads to good remission rates ranging from 68-95%, depending on the location and type of tumor, the neurosurgeon’s expertise, follow-up period, and the definition of remission.

Today, TSS consists of surgery directed through the nose to get to the bottom of the skull, where the pituitary gland is located. The tumor is reached via the nasal cavity with no need for incisions on the face.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2018/07/28/transsphenoidal-surgery-is-safe-and-effective-treatment-for-cushings-disease/

(1929) Polish nephrologist and endocrinologist Franciszek Kokot was born. His research focused on the link between hormone levels and kidney diseases.

Dr. Dori Middleman is a Psychophamacologist, Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist and Cushing’s Patient.

She has had both pituitary surgery and two gamma knife radiosurgeries.

Listen at https://cushieblogger.com/2018/04/24/archived-interview-with-dr-dori-middleman-pituitary-cushings-survivor/

... I have a right side adrenal adenoma and have experienced a number of the things that you wrote about over the years. Have you had an adrenalectomy?... 

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2015/07/24/jason-adrenal-bio/

Alexis, can you tell me if your workup has revealed any answers? Someone I love is experiencing the same symptoms. With weight gain, rounded face, resting HR high, heat intolerance, nausea, vomiting, fainting..

In the comments area of https://cushingsbios.com/2013/04/30/alexis-alexis-undiagnosed-bio/