A tiny group of cells that changed my world

A tiny group of cells that changed my world
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I'm in my 30's, which to me sounds very odd. I only feel like I'm in my 20's and definitely not a grown up. I have spent the last 7 years battling with my health; firstly spending 2 years getting a diagnosis for a tumour on my pituitary gland which was causing Cushings Disease; then spending the rest of my life dealing with a pituitary gland that doesn't work. However, I have a fantastic family and an amazing boyfriend who I live with and adore - they keep me going and inspire me to try to make the most of life and my life in general.

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Pituitary Gland Problem Symptoms and Cushings Symptoms

Pituitary Gland Problem Symptoms

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000704.htm

http://www.aboutcushings.com/understanding-cushings-disease/signs-and-symptoms.jsp?gclid=CK382erl1qoCFUtA4QodfwK17A

Common signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism aka. Cushings

Some of the physical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are easier to notice than others. Most of these signs and symptoms occur when you have too much cortisol (known as hypercortisolism) in your body for too long. Your doctor or nurse will look for specific physical signs of Cushing’s syndrome and may do some tests to better understand your symptoms. These include1,2:
  • A round (moon-shaped) and/or red face
  • Purplish streaks across the skin
  • Unusual buildup of fatty tissue between the shoulder blades (sometimes called “buffalo hump”)
  • Unusual buildup of fatty tissue in the abdominal area with thin arms and legs
  • Easy bruising
  • Excess facial/body hair growth (called “hirsutism”) in women
Other signs and symptoms caused by elevated cortisol levels include headaches, backaches, swelling, feeling very tired, feeling irritable, appetite changes, memory problems, sleeping problems, repeated infections, acne, hair loss, and wounds healing too slowly.3-5 Most of the signs and symptoms can be caused by other health conditions that are more common.


References: 1. Dorland's Dictionary Online Web site. http://www.dorlands.com. Accessed November 9, 2010. 2. The Hormone Foundation’s patient guide to the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. The Hormone Foundation. http://www.hormone.org/resources/patient_guides/upload/mgmt-cushings-syndrome-070609.pdf. Accessed August 4, 2009. 3. Newell-Price J, Bertagna X, Grossman AB, Nieman LK. Cushing’s syndrome. Lancet. 2006;367:1605-1617. 4. Nieman LK, Ilias I. Evaluation and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. Am J Med. 2005;118:1340-1346. 5. Nieman LK, Biller BMK, Findling JW, et al. The diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93:1526-1540.
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2 comments:

  1. Lottie497917 August 2011 at 12:01

    I am so glad that is all in the past now. If you have been diagnosed with Cushings, please know there is hope and with treatment all those horrible symptoms will go away. It's a long and difficult path but you will get better. I speak from experience and for most people if your pituitary goes undamaged after surgery, your life will return to normal.

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  2. Lottie497917 August 2011 at 12:04

    Oh and another tip: if you are still waiting to be diagnosed don't be afraid to go to your doctors everyday and pester them to help you. Its a rare condition and they will need persauding to send you for tests. Also, research your symptoms, the library and the internet have some excellent information.

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