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I have many medical problems. I think Cushing's may be part of the reason. My pulmonary specialist found a adenoma on my adrenal gland several months after a heart attack.(12/31/06) I had a CT Scan at the time of the MI. NOW mind you I had 5 differant MDS, and not one saw it. Not even the endo I see for Diabetes. The gastro did see the Hyatial hernia.. but missed the adrenal tumor... go figure.When I left the hospital after the MI , I weighed 139 lbs.(already overweight for my height of 5'1")By the end of Aug, that same year, I weighed 193lbs.OMG!!!! 54lbs in 8 months. Plus I have no controll over diabetes. (I had been doing great... 6.5 A1C) on Metformin. Now I'm on insulin and not good at all. I know I have to get back to the Endo, he doesn't even know about the tumor, Truth is I lost faith in all of them. He should have seen it! In this past month I have seen the pulmonary and the Cardio, and raised the question of cushing's.My lung doctor(the one who has been watching lungs and adenoma) ho ho'd me.. and cardio just about did the same thing. Well no you don't have cushing's syndrome, your skin is ok and you don't have striae.I have at least 80% of symptoms I think.I'm also on oxygen, and have between 25-30% lung function.I DO NOT use steroids or corticosteroids!!!!! So that can't be the reason for CS. It's like "Catch 22" Haven't got the energy to exercise, and i know i would fell better if I could drop this weight.After the MI I have lost more lung function. I find it really strange how 3 doctor's have not told me to return to endo, for adenoma. Thank you, MJK
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My mother has been using prendisone for quite some time for breathing problems. Unfortunately, she is not able to get off of it. In addition to the normal side effects, she has now developed small tiny lumps under her skin (forehead, upper chest, legs). Her regular MD said she has developed Cushing's syndrome and this is one of the side effects. Her dermatologist had previously told her that he didn't think that was the cause of her problem, but this was prior to the MD saying that it probably was the problem. Is there any addtional info that she can take to her dermatologist to help her back this theory up. I have looked on line for her, but can't seem to find much info on this particular side effect.
September 10, 2009 - 11:37amThis Comment
would an adenoma cause prolonged exposure to cortisol? Although I don't know if I have a problem with my pituitary gland, I have read that adrenal tumors can also cause Cushing's disease. I'm 62 years old. I can relate to several symtoms listed above. I am post menopausal, but the downy hair on the side of my face is recent. Buffalo hump is also recent. Skin bruises easily, but that could also be.due to Plavix. I just have to get back to endo. I've had HBP since 1995( on meds) diabetic since 2000.
August 27, 2009 - 12:25pmThis Comment
Here's some information from our EmpowHer resources on Cushing's Disease that may be of interest, and hopefully help, to you:
Cushing's Disease
August 25, 2009 - 7:29pmOverview
Treatment
This Comment
Dear MJK,
I'm so sorry to hear about your insensitive doctor's. If you no longer have faith in any of them, I would recommend doing some research on others in your area.
To have Cushing's syndrome doesn't mean that you have taken or take cortisone or corticosteroids, though that can also be the reason why the disease develops. Your adrenal gland may be producing to much cortisol-- which may lead to cushing's syndrome. Have you had your pituitary gland checked?
The "typical" person with Cushing's has the following symptoms:
* Fat deposits can form around your stomach and upper back, but arms and legs stay thin and don't usually get fatter.
* Your skin gets thinner and is easily bruised.
* Cuts, scratches and insect bites take a long time to heal.
* Pink or purple stretch marks may form on your skin.
* Your face may become round and puffy.
* You may feel tired and have weak muscles.
* You may feel depressed.
* Women usually have irregular menstrual periods and may grow thick or more visible body hair.
* High blood pressure, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and blood sugar levels that are higher than normal can be signs of Cushing's syndrome or disease.
* You often get skin infections or other infections, and they take longer to heal.
* Fat deposits can form around your stomach and upper back, but arms and legs stay thin and don't usually get fatter.
* Your skin gets thinner and is easily bruised.
* Cuts, scratches and insect bites take a long time to heal.
* Pink or purple stretch marks may form on your skin.
* Your face may become round and puffy.
* You may feel tired and have weak muscles.
* You may feel depressed.
* Women usually have irregular menstrual periods and may grow thick or more visible body hair.
* High blood pressure, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and blood sugar levels that are higher than normal can be signs of Cushing's syndrome or disease.
* You often get skin infections or other infections, and they take longer to heal.
A simple blood and urine test can detect Cushing's syndrome. At some point you may need yet another CT or MRI to take a look at your pituitary gland and other parts of your body.
Perhaps one of the reason's why you got the "ho, ho" from your doctors is because they didn't find anything wrong with your pituitary gland and you are not on any corticosteroids to cause this disease. I would seek a second (or 6th) opinion from a different doctor and take it from there. Remember that this is your health and you can only help yourself if you work with people who you trust.
Good Luck, please keep us posted
August 25, 2009 - 6:13pmThis Comment