Columns

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 the symptoms I now know were caused by Cushing’s disease, I…

There came a time on this journey with Cushing’s disease when I became exhausted both mentally and physically. Yes, I was tired of having to deal with the symptoms, but I’m talking about constantly going to doctors’ appointments, getting MRIs (with the dye contrast), and having bloodwork…

Have you ever wanted to just tear all the fat off your body? Have you grown tired of the weight it bears on your self-esteem, and how every day it becomes harder to lift a foot and plant it in front of the other? What about being so frustrated from…

Surviving a life-threatening event or other trauma can create guilt, even when others who’ve been through similar trauma may not have the same result. This condition is known as survivor’s guilt, and it’s an important mental health concern. A question related to this from an audience member during a…

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 was going on. I thought that maybe the symptoms were due…

Last week during a panel discussion, fellow columnist Claire Richmond, who writes for Porphyria News, talked about the effects of medical post-traumatic stress disorder. It took me some time, but I eventually realized that it was something I had suffered from, too. After reflecting on my own journey,…

I’d love to say that I’m always strong, but the truth is I’m not. Positivity is a look I wear well, but everyone has bad hair days. In my weaker moments, I try to remind myself that the beauty of being human is that we have imperfections, but sometimes the…

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 diagnosis. The differences in how I felt were subtle, making it…

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…

The crisp morning felt surreal. Whimsical frost on leaves outside my window reminded me that life has its seasons. Some seasons we succumb to struggles that we think hold us back, and other seasons we live in celebrations of triumph, with knowledge that there is sunshine after rain. It was…