These Routines Helped During My Cushing’s Recovery
An advocate’s most important characteristics are authenticity and transparency. When we share our stories with others, it’s important to tell the entire story, not just the best parts. Journeys are not always beautiful. They can be dark, nasty, and ugly, but if you can persevere, rewards await you. Never lose hope.
People often ask my wife and me how I’ve been able to recover so well from Cushing’s disease. We always credit our faith and beliefs as Christians. Honestly, my faith has been tested since I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor in September 2015. I don’t intend to push my beliefs onto anyone, and I can only share what has worked for me. But hopefully the way I choose to live can serve as an example.
As I reflect on what I have shared about my Cushing’s battle and recovery, I realize that in addition to surgery and radiation treatment, adhering to several routine practices has helped me get to where I am today.
First, prayer has been very important to my growth. When I was at my worst, I not only prayed for myself but for others as well. This helped me to overcome my own selfishness and understand the importance of gratitude. Prayer also helps me to become a better communicator and be more attentive.
The second is fasting. Intermittent fasting has become an important part of my lifestyle in my recovery from Cushing’s. It improves my focus and leads to positive changes in my body. I also realized that what I was eating played a key role in my health. I cut out the foods that were harming me mentally, physically, and spiritually, and began to implement dietary changes that would have a positive impact.
Different types of fasting will have different results for everyone, so if you’re curious about it, be sure to do plenty of research and consult your doctor.
The last and toughest practice for me to follow was grinding, or simply doing the work. I couldn’t just will changes into existence, I had to actually get up and accomplish them. I set realistic goals for myself.
For instance, I wasn’t able to jump back into the exercises I’d been doing as an athlete. There was a period during my Cushing’s recovery when I couldn’t stand up without support. Just walking around the neighborhood was an achievement. I am also a self-proclaimed chef, so getting back into the kitchen and cooking for my family was a big deal. No matter what obstacles you face, start doing the work by taking the first step, no matter how small it may be.
Turn your test into a testimony and your trial into a triumph. I never imagined that my health struggles would provide me with a platform to do what I desired most: encouraging, inspiring, and helping others.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
Comments
Eddy De Oliveira
Recovery is so tough physically and emotionally. It has been 2 years since my transphenoidal surgery, and I am currently in remission from Cushing’s Disease. Unfortunately, since I was not diagnosed for 3 years, I sustained secondary cormorbidities due to the Cushing’s, I.e. multiple bone fractures, and osteoporosis. I am now permanently adrenal insufficient, and rely on steroids daily to survive. I will say that acceptance is key. You cannot keep waiting for the person you were before Cushing’s to come back. Sadly, this will not happen. I have learned to take it literally, “one day at a time”, and enjoy the good days as they come, and work with the bad days the best I can. Battle boots on :)