Question: Following surgery for Cushing's, I have had a lot of swelling in my hands, feet and face. Is there anything that can be done to help this problem and is it anything to be concerned about?

Answer: Swelling, or edema, may often accompany Cushing's syndrome. Following surgical treatment of Cushing's, some patients will continue to experience edema for some time following the surgery. This may be related to the frequent need for steroid therapy following curative surgery. This is really nothing serious, but can be uncomfortable. I usually treat patients with a water pill or decrease the dose of steroids.