Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Looking back at the path you chose



In case you haven't noticed, helping other Cushing's patients wade through the cortisol quagmire is kinda a big deal for me. I choose to spend my free time doing it. Why?

I don't like seeing others struggle. 

I don't like that Cushing's is ruining Cushies' lives. 

I don't like how poorly doctors treat us. 

I detest inefficiency.

So I do my best to take time and answer questions from blog readers and facebook friends.  Tonight, the post was about ketoconazole. The Cushie had gone to the emergency room twice for adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis while taking ketoconazole. 

I remembered that I too took ketoconazole. My memory isn't what it used to be, and as such, I set out to search for the word keto on this blog, for so much time has elapsed that my Cushie brain can't hold the details any longer. Fair enough. 

I found the link I wanted (Keto: It Was Fun While It Lasted), but I found the post that proceeded that one by just three days called New Chapter of my Life dated November 3, 2013.  I shared the link for you to review if you are so inclined.

I read through this lost post wondering what was the new chapter of my life. I don't remember any new chapter of my life?! I was floored with emotion as I read my own words recounting the story of my decision to proceed with a bilateral adrenalectomy, which doctors often dissuade us from considering because BLA is the last resort treatment for Cushing's. 

The phrase, "I did everything the medical community asked of me" really hit home. Because don't we all? Aren't Cushies pushed beyond the point we can handle emotionally, mentally, and physically every single day and somehow manage to fight on until the day we reach remission? Does anyone remember my explanation for how statistically rare it is to have Cushing's and yet, we do? Cushies have hit the unlucky jackpot? for Cushing's.

BLA is not easy. It has taken many, many days to get to know my body and what it needs. I do stand tall in the explanation that I made to myself at that time, as it is still one that stands up to reason and emotion. It stands the test of time. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I will post one day soon about the improvements I've experienced since BLA. I will foreshadow that it is difficult to parse out what long term effects are from Cushing's and high cortisol and what I can blame on rheumatoid arthritis. That's for another day.

See you soon, Cushies.


Friday, July 7, 2017

Are Patients Screened for Cushing's before Gastric Bypass?



Do doctors screen obese people before gastric bypass for Cushing's? I doubt you are surprised that docs don't. Our friend Robin explains more on her Cushing's blog, Survive the Journey.


http://survivethejourney.blogspot.com/2009/02/bariatric-surgery-not-answer-for.html?m=1

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Could Actress Lauren Ash have Cushing's?!

Tonight I switched over to Hollywood Game Night after watching American Ninja Warrior with the family. My eyes were immediately drawn to an actress I have never seen before. Her name is Lauren Ash and she currently stars on the TV show Superstore.

As soon as the show finished, I took to google images. I went through many photos of Lauren. She is stunningly beautiful with delicate and lovely facial features. I noticed her weight increased over the years. Then, I sent Lauren Ash the following tweet:


After I sent the tweet, I created a few collages. Are my instincts about Cushing's on point?




Photos of Actress Lauren Ash show facial plethora (red cheeks) and moon facies (weight gain in neck), both classic Cushing's symptoms.
We Cushies have always made the difficult decision to approach a person we suspect of Cushing's or leave them alone so we don't embarrass them or us. It has always broken my heart to walk away and risk leaving a person undiagnosed when I held the possible answer. So today, I sent the tweet, and I hope I can help Lauren or anyone else out there who reads this blog.

I'll let you know if I hear back!

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Addison's and Surgery

Woo hoo!


"The ADSHG surgical guidelines have been given a makeover! 


The new-look guidelines are available on the website, with print copies in the hospital folder available in the online shop. The core prescribing information remains the same, explaining what level of extra medication and monitoring you will need in the event of most types of surgery or dental work.


New information gives the level of continuous infusion cover recommended, in line with the recently issued guidelines from the Society for Endocrinology. The ADSHG surgical guidelines also now include citations and a list of endorsing clinicians with an interest in adrenal medicine. This includes some past speakers from the ADSHG's medical lecture series. 


Links below to get your copy: 

Free to download


Blogger's direct link: 

http://www.addisons.org.uk/forum/index.php?/files/file/4-adshg-surgical-guidelines/


https://goo.gl/hcoqCa


Online Shop: https://goo.gl/y3BM6p


#AddisonsDisease"



I left this comment on the ADSHG Facebook page. 


Thank you, ADSHG. We Cushing's patients who've undergone bilateral adrenalectomy in the United States ❤️ your materials as do the Cushing's patients who need guidance after pituitary surgery while they are in an adrenally insufficent state. We are very thankful for you and the Addison Clinical Advisory Panel, the group of doctors in the UK who treat adrenal disease.