Crushing Cushing's – a Column by Catarina Louro-Matos

Catarina is a 24-year-old post-surgery Cushing’s disease survivor. She writes to support Cushing’s sufferers and raise awareness of the mental health fights involved in both pre- and post-surgery life. Find her on social media: @CrushCushings.

Not Every Symptom Is What It Seems

Hey, everyone! If you’re a post-operation Cushie, you know that the unknowns throughout recovery are plentiful. Are you feeling poorly because you’re about to go into adrenal insufficiency? Is whatever you’re feeling just a normal part of recovery? How long should you be feeling poorly? I get…

My Experience with Cushing’s Recovery

Hello, everyone! This week, I want to touch upon a topic I’m frequently asked about: my recovery. I want to start by making something clear: Cushing’s disease recovery is different for everyone. My recovery differs from those of my two friends, and mine is different from yours.

How My Anxiety and Phobia Workbook Has Helped Me

Hey, everyone! In last week’s column, I wrote a list of things that ease post-surgery anxieties. The aftermath of Cushing’s causes intense anxiety, and some of us develop new phobias. This is absolutely normal behavior when coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can develop from fighting a life-altering…

You’re Going to Have Bad Days During Recovery

Hey, everyone! Let’s discuss the huge misconception that survivors only get better and better with each day after surgery. I’m about to drop a huge truth bomb on you: You’re going to have hellish days. Sorry for being blunt, but a realistic attitude is best. If you believe you’re…

What to Expect After a Diagnosis

Hey, everyone! Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions online about what to expect once you receive a diagnosis. There are a ton of different ways things can go after an official diagnosis, and I only have one version. That version is my personal experience. Since I…