I am 83 years old and my adrenalectomy was performed in 1951 when I was 38 years old! I am five feet, two and weighed 185 lbs. before my surgery. I looked like about eight and one half months pregnant, had excess hair growth on my face and the "camel hump" on my upper back. My life was quite stressful being the mother of five children, the youngest of whom was two years old.

The adrenals were removed, weighing more than three times the normal weight. The doctor implanted part of the adrenal gland in my hip area, hoping to grow a new gland. I was hospitalized for over three months with no success of any adrenal activity.

Since my surgery, they have discovered the relationship between the pituitary and adrenals. During the period of time in the 1950's, the only cure for Cushing's was adrenalectomy.

In 1982, they found a "shadow" on the pituitary stalk and ten years later have called it a tumor! Surgery was recommended, but a second opinion suggests that we monitor it through MRI's and field vision tests.

All in all, I feel good. I suffer from arthritis which could partly be associated with my age. My husband has been a tremendous support through the years and we were thrilled to be given the opportunity of finding your support group and newsletter. If anyone feels they would like to contact us, please write