Cushing’s causes multiple problems

May 24, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: As a faithful reader of your column, I have a request: Would you please mention, on April 8, if possible, that April 8 is Cushing’s Awareness Day?

The world needs to know of this disease. It has changed my life. I was a healthy woman until the age of 55. I knew then that “something” was wrong. Long story short: After more a year, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. I have had two brain surgeries, Graves’ disease, recurring Cushing’s and 25 radiation treatments to the pituitary. Eight years later, I still live with the effects of this monster. I am on thyroid medication for life. I have high blood pressure and other health issues, as well. I just want the world to know of this disease. Even if only one person is helped by your printing information about this topic, then a wonderful thing will have been done. Thank you, Dr. Gott.
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Persistent Patient Gets Treatment, Better Life

April 19, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have responded to several letters about the pituitary and adrenal glands and I thought I should write to share my story. I am currently 75 years old but this whole thing started when I was in my late teens and early-20s. I had started to have some health problems but never gave them much thought. Then at 23, I got married.

A couple of months into the marriage I suddenly gained 20 pounds. Then I developed high blood pressure, darkening of the skin, a puffy face, muscle weakness, bruising, nervousness, uncontrollable emotions, back pain and headaches. Over the next seven years I saw six different doctors. All of them gave me a diet sheet, treated my blood pressure and told me to lose weight. They didn’t seem to care about the other symptoms and didn’t understand that I couldn’t lose weight. (I had been trying.) [Read more...]

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Daily Column

October 15, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Is it possible to have Cushing’s syndrome if your lab results are negative? I’ve included my results for your review.

About 30 years ago I became hyperthyroid and lost a tremendous amount of weight. I then became hypothyroid and my menses stopped abruptly, never to reappear. I was told my thyroid condition was responsible for both.

I’ve developed a very large stomach, although my arms and legs are thinner. I’ve been tested several times for uterine cancer with consistent negative results. My face is also puffy and more rounded.

I’ve had periodic back aches that are so severe I can hardly walk. I’ve become diabetic and two years ago was put on insulin. This year my high blood pressure became permanent, even though my stress and anxiety levels are low, and lately I am always tired. It seems some of my symptoms are escalating while [Read more...]

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Daily Column

July 28, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Your advice to the woman with the distended stomach, lower back pain, aching legs, and constant tiredness in which you suspected Cushing Syndrome may very well be correct. However, there is another possibility. These are also side effects from the drug Nexium which she claimed to be taking. I had symptoms just like hers while I was taking it. I am now on generic Prilosec and my stomach is going back to normal and my tiredness is slowly lifting.

When the patent on Prilosec was about to expire the formula was “tweaked” just enough to receive a new patent which was then marketed as Nexium. This “tweaking” caused the Nexium to have some side effects that the Prilosec did not.

I would like to be off the medication but diet, exercise and over-the-counter antacids don’t work. Do you have any suggestions? [Read more...]

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