I began having serious health problems in my mid twenties. High blood pressure, kidney stones (twice), weight gain, big tummy, small arms and legs, headaches, blurry vision, broken bones, ripping skin, and infections in my body without breaks in my skin. I finally went to an endocrinologist and was diagnosed with Cushing's. I had always been very active, 4 years of college football, a runner, etc. I was 35 when I finally found out what was wrong with me. I spent ten years going to one doctor after another, weeks in the hospital, visits to a psychiatrist, I thought I was going crazy.
I am 47 years old now. It has been almost 13 years since my surgery. It's funny, I equate time as B. S., before surgery, and A. S., after surgery. My mood swings and difficulties because of my illness were very hard on my family. My wife, now my X, divorced me shortly after the surgery, taking my 12 and 14 year old sons along. I am a school teacher, 25 years, and I had a terrible time making the monthly support payments. I started a lawn care business, cutting grass after classes, and all weekend long. I have had a knee replacement because of the stress on my legs from the constant walking, which comes from lawn maintenance. My knees and hip ache most of the time but I think I'm doing better than most who have this disease.
My story has a happy ending! I met a wonderful woman, also a teacher, and we married five years ago, we dated for four years before that. I see my two sons every day, and we have a great father/son relationship. I now have a stepdaughter who started college two weeks ago. I still have to take medication every morning. Prednisone, Lotril, Synthroid, Androgel. But you know what? I've managed to keep and do well at my job, and run a successful side business. I've maintained a good relationship with my sons, am a good dad for my stepdaughter. I love my wife. I sure feel better than I did all those years I was sick! I feel like I'm living on borrowed time. I still have periods of depression, you know. Why me? And all that, but as time goes on, I do realize that I'm very lucky.
When I was sick all those years, and even after the surgery, I didn't know other people were suffering and going through the same things as me! Hopefully my story will let others know that they are not alone and there is life after Cushing's. If I can be of support to anyone, please email me. I'm so glad I found the CSRF website.
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