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I was a classic textbook case of Cushing's and still doctors didn't recognize it. I had acne over most of my body, facial hair, tight curls on my head, a moon face, dark areas on knees, elbows and finger joints. Clothes would be loose on me in the morning and skin tight by supper time.
When symptoms first started, the doctor told me I was an obese housewife and advised me to stay on tranquilizers. I found another doctor at Roswell Park Cancer Hospital in Buffalo who had seen another Cushing's patient. I had both adrenal glands removed after many months of testing. By 1970, a pituitary tumor was found. I then had radiation therapy to remove the tumor. It was unsuccessful.
In 1990, Dr. Laligam Sekhar scheduled surgery. It took three operations: one to get the tumor and carotid artery; the second to reduce swelling; and the third to insert a shunt. I was in the hospital for 56 days and have no memory of it. My memory was slow in returning and I had to relearn to walk and talk.
During that series of surgeries my optic nerve was damaged, so I have no vision in my left eye. Since the surgery, I've been on DDAVP for bladder control and phenobarbital to control my seizures. I am also on synthroid and cortisone.
It's been a long 32 years, but I'm still here. I was told in 1967 that I had a less than 50% chance of living six months, but thank God, modern medicine has come a long way. If I can be of help, please call. I would love to hear from other Cushing's patients.
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