Half the Battle — Caitlin McDonough

One of the biggest lessons that I learned on my Cushing’s journey was that listening to my body wasn’t always what I wanted to do, but it’s what was best for me. My journey with cyclical Cushing’s disease spanned…

When someone is hurting or struggling, we may find ourselves wanting to have all the answers for them. We may jump to offering solutions and making assumptions about what’s needed, but that isn’t always the best approach. Other times…

Navigating the medical system can be extremely time-consuming and stressful, as it often involves significant coordination and planning. It’s especially difficult when you’re struggling with the symptoms you’re seeking help for. When I first saw a neuroendocrinologist for…

When my Cushing’s symptoms first appeared, I thought they were due to a virus and I’d only be out of commission for about a week. When a week turned into several months, I began to wonder if something else…

Cushing’s disease causes a great deal of change, both physical and emotional. For some, these changes happen slowly over time, while for others, they’re more rapid. About four years passed between the onset of my symptoms and my…

Traveling with an invisible illness can be physically demanding and emotionally taxing. So much planning is involved, along with so much physical movement and running around. Being away from your normal element and comfort items can be a difficult…

Welcome to “Half the Battle,” a new column about my experience with Cushing’s disease. My name is Caitlin, I’m 30 years old, and from the U.S. Northeast. I was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease six years ago. My hope…