Cushing's Info

I had no idea I would possibly be posting anything on a Cushing's board until 4 days ago. A week ago my doctor wanted me to take some blood tests, because she had some suspicions about my health. I had come to her about some wounds that won't heal, it's been 4 months now, and they still won't heal. She had me take a blood test at 08.00 and at 19.00.

Last Friday (4 days ago) she called me into the office again, and the blood test had showed that my corisol level had been 755 nmol/l in the morning and 736 nmol/l at night.

This, in addition to my medical history, makes her believe I have Cushing's. I have a long medical history with chronic migraines (been disabled from this for 10 years already), PCOS, weight gain (about 40 kg total), lots of muscle pain that we have found no specific reason for, reccurant clinical depression and Avoident Personal Disorder (an anxiety disorder). I had also started screening for ME, but since Cushing's is one of the diagnoses that has to be ruled out before you'll get the diagnosis of ME, this is what we focus on now.

I have always had weight problems, but never as big as when I suddenly lost my period in 1997 and gained 30 kg within 6 months. The weight stabilized, and I got my period back (somewhat - it can go upto 3 months between each bleeding). I have mannaged to lose weight sometimes, over time even 10 - 20 kg, but they always come back in 'attacks' like before, where I suddenly gain 20 kg within a very short time. The last time was after child birth. I gained only 6 kg during pregnancy, but when I came home from the hospital after giving birth I had lost only 500 grams, and I never lost any more. Instead I gained 15 more kg over the next few months. (that is 4 years ago)

My ex husband used to ask me why I had that weird neck, and I had no answer for him. I even asked a doctor about it in 2003. He just touched it and said "yes, that's right. You have a pad of fat on your neck." I haven't been to him since 2003, because I had to change doctor, but I assume this is a hump.

All summed up, I have a strong suspicion that I actually do have Cushing's and that I have had it for a long time.

My doctor wanted to take one other test: a salvia test at 08.00 and 23.00, and if that test comes back showing high cortisol levels, she will send me to specialists at a hospital here in Oslo.

Email Nina