30 Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms: Are You Depressed?

It is obvious that Cushing's patients face physical limitations and deformities. Mental and emotional changes are ever present but hard for a patient to point out. There is nothing to "show."

After six years of fighting Cushing's and knowing that word specifically, I know I have battled depression the whole time -- like, every day.

We can no longer live in a world that makes us feel poorly about ourselves for seeking help for depression. Like Cushing's, depression is a medical problem, not something we brought on ourselves. 

This article explains the 30 signs of depression very well. If you are depressed, please seek help. You deserve to seek out the help you need. You are worth it. 

"Depression is much more than feeling sad. It is a mood disorder that can interfere with everyday life. There are six types of depression: major depression, atypical depression, dysthymia, portpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Depression with mania is known as bipolar disorder or manic depression.

Having untreated depression can put your life on hold for months, if not years. Major depressive disorder can also lead to thoughts of suicide. Here are 30 of the main symptoms of depression. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, talk to your doctor."

http://m.activebeat.com/your-health/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-are-you-depressed/

Cushies can die after exhausting all treatment options

This makes me incredibly sad.  I have had two unsuccessful pituitary surgeries, and I am currently doing medication therapy (pm ketoconazole with am Cortef) until the tumor culprit comes out of hiding and presents itself on the pituitary MRI for a third pituitary surgery.  No one knows how long that will take.

After my first pituitary surgery, I developed ptosis, or drooping eyelid.

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Cushing’s: the worst case scenario

Viv Thornton-Jones

Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Endocrine Abstracts (2008) 15 S58

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We present the case of a 40-year-old female who was referred to our Department in 1993, for further management following the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. She proceeded to a transsphenoidal adenenomatectomy (TSA, note: pituitary surgery) which resulted in a biochemical cure.

In 1998 she presented with recurrence of Cushing’s Disease, which was managed by a 2nd TSA (pituitary surgery) followed by external beam irradiation.

Bilateral adrenalectomy followed a year later, due to the inability to control her disease.

In 2001 she presented with Nelson’s Syndrome managed by a 3rd TSA (pituitary surgery) followed this time with Gamma Knife surgery.

In 2004 she presented with manifestations consistent with recurrence of Nelson’s Syndrome and proceeded to a 4th TSA (pituitary surgery). 

Despite the risk of blindness, the patient agreed to a second course of Gamma Knife treatment for the possibility of tumour control.

Over the next 2 years her clinical picture deteriorated, resulting in a right partial ptosis and a sixth nerve palsy.

She was referred to an Oncologist who offered her Chemotherapy, but she refused treatment.

The patient was then in the care of the Palliative Care Team and she died peacefully at home in 2006.

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Endocrine Abstracts (2008) 15 S58

Thank you to Ami and MaryO for finding this abstract.