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I remember....... I was afraid to lift the baby. Our grandson was born January 22, 1992 and by then I was very ill. During the latter part of the 1980's, "things" began to happen to me. My neck began to change shape and I began to put on weight. I started to have trouble concentrating, remembering and thinking. Along with that, I lost my sense of taste.
While this was happening, my family doctor began treating me for depression, and sent me to Weight Watchers, where I continued to gain weight. My doctor began showing signs of really not hearing me when I was in his office. I did what most Cushing's people do - I changed doctors. The new doctor put me on thyroid medicine and followed the first doctor's attitude - I changed doctors again. This new doctor sent me to a nutritionist for a diet to follow and I passed the 200 lb. mark. I could barely manage to get out of a chair and my eyesight was getting worse. I was trying to work and get through the day-my blood pressure was high and he felt I was the problem. He asked me "do you think there is someone in the room and when you look, no one is there?" "Do you hear voices?" and on and on.
The fortunate thing about my job was that I had access to medical information along with the fact that my daughter and I would go to the library and research anything that we could think of. While at work one day, I began reading information on Cushing's. I FOUND IT!!!! I knew what was wrong with me!!
The beginning of 1992 was very hard on me and I could scarcely get around. I suffered a mini-stroke, had very high blood sugar, and spent a lot of time at Penn State Medical Center in Hershey. After a catheterization, it was decided I did have Cushing's and both adrenal glands had to be removed. We were amazed at the improvement within one week following surgery.
My recovery was fairly fast as far as the symptoms, but going back to work was horrible. Physically, I was not strong enough to do a full day's work and after 6 years, I still do not have the endurance to work a full day. I changed jobs and everything looked good. Then the endocrinologist told me there was a tumor in the pituitary. I changed doctors again. The new doctor actually listened to me and she changed my cortisone dosage. I have been telling the doctor all this time how I felt and received the usual blank vague look. After one month of a lower dosage, I began to feel stronger more alert and lost most of the rundown feeling.
I could go on about Cushing's and Me, but we all know the story. I will never be the same as I was, but I am alive!! I will be 60 in October. Ten years ago we did not think I would see another year. I visited a friend in England, something I never thought I'd be able to do again. I know my boundaries and limitations as we all do, and yes it has changed the lives of all those who are involved in my life. Faith and attitude are very important to anyone with a problem such as Cushing's. Thanks to a darling husband and a precious daughter and family, I can hold my grandson now, even though he is six years old!! I just might be able to hold a great-grand child - another goal in life!!!! |
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