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I am currently 37 years old. I think my Cushing's probably started while in High School. My menses started at age 10 and were never regular, and I was given medication to correct it. I had the dark purple stria by age 15 and the moon face by the time I graduated. I met and married my husband in 1986 at age 22. Within a year we began trying to conceive. This never happened despite medications, fertility experts, etc.
By June of 1993, I was feeling horrible, and had vaginal bleeding which continued for eleven months. I had a D & C and laparoscopic exploration, but found nothing. My GYN suggested an endocrinologist, but my primary care doctor said all I needed was to loose some weight. I have always been heavy, but experienced a weight gain of 75 pounds within a year. I was on a strict diet but my doctor yelled at me for not having any will power.
In addition to the bleeding, I had facial hair and hair on my arms and legs that turned from baby blonde to dark and coarse. My GYN ordered a CAT scan of the pelvis and abdomen. They found tumors on both adrenal glands. My primary care STILL suggested it was nothing and told me to get a new hairdo "since that always makes a woman fell better."
In April of 1994, I had enough and made an appointment with an endocrinologist that a friend had recommended. Within 20 minutes, Dr. Eugenia Pavlow told me she was 99% certain that I had Cushing's. Blood tests came back positive and she started a regimen of medications that have helped. I am working with a nutritionist and a Chiropractor. My cortisol levels remain high, nearly double the normal reading. My Mom passed away in 1996. I took care of her during the last three months of her life. Shortly after her death, my Dad had an accident. After 12 surgeries in four years to save his leg, it had to be amputated. He now lives with me and my husband, who also is not well.
I work 55-60 hours a week as the Coordinator of Operations for a busy chiropractic practice. Dr. Pavlov passed away unexpectedly three years ago. I have yet to find another endocrinologist in my area that even knows what Cushing's is. I would like any information possible from anyone in my area. |
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