I don't know how long I had Cushing's disease. I feel so different since the surgery that I can't tell. In February, 1997 my menstrual cycle stopped. My gynecologist discovered low LH and FSH and slightly elevated Prolactin but not enough to be worried. We had no earlier test for comparison so I started with Provera to reinstate the cycles with another Prolactin test at my next checkup. I had no other symptoms at that time but he suspected "mid-brain activity" since I was a little young (39) for menopause.

The Provera stopped working in October. An MRI uncovered a pituitary macroadenoma (10 x 8 mm). My face had become rounder and I also gained more weight on my stomach. The weight gain was gradual, just 5 pounds over 6 months - not much for someone 5'11". I had also always been an avid runner and had been running 15-30 miles/week for about 15 years. My race times had been improving but I considered that the fruit of increased training and eating a macrobiotic diet (not increased cortisol!) My gynecologist suspected Cushing's although he never had a patient before. An endocrinologist ran the tests and confirmed it.

In December, I added 10 more pounds but I continued running until after Christmas although only 10 miles/week. It was very hard to exercise but I felt less confused on days I ran. When I stopped running, it became very hard to concentrate at work. The last few weeks before surgery I felt bad but not terrible. My blood pressure remained low. Doctors kept telling me that I did not look like a Cushing's patient.

The surgery (Dr. Curtis Nelson at Strong Hospital in Rochester, NY) was performed in January and was successful. About half my pituitary was removed with the tumor. Taking Cortisone, I was able to return to work as a supervisor in an information technology company just 19 days after surgery. The first few months I had to leave early due to physical fatigue but I am able to work all day now. My menstrual periods resumed 5 weeks after surgery.

I tried to exercise again and have tendonitis in my elbows and feet after very little effort. Initially I was depressed because I couldn't exercise and I still feel I should not run but I got orthotics to help my feet and have started water aerobics. After seven months, I am still taking a low dosage of cortisone because my adrenal glands have not fully recovered although my ACTH levels are normal. It will just take more time.

Years of running taught me to listen to my body. Although the doctors told me I could exercise right away, I know my knees and feet can't handle it. It is truly amazing the amount of muscle I have lost in such a short time. I won't be running a marathon this summer like I planned and may never be able to but I will run again and I have much to be grateful for. I would welcome anyone who would like to contact me.