Columns

Key takeaways from my cyclic Cushing’s disease diagnosis

Throughout my Cushing’s disease journey, I’ve learned many skills that have helped me navigate the diagnosis and treatment processes. Among them are the importance of advocacy at doctor appointments, including helping physicians understand what I’m experiencing by documenting my symptoms. I also had to…

How pregnancy made me realize the depth of my medical trauma

Emotional scarring from Cushing’s disease wasn’t something I predicted, but everywhere I turn, I discover residual feelings from that experience. I’m 13 weeks postpartum with my first baby, and I hadn’t realized until I gave birth the extent of emotional and psychological turmoil Cushing’s put me through before…

My 5 summer symptoms of Cushing’s, and the ways I cope

I’m not sure if this experience is universal, but my Cushing’s disease symptoms change with the weather. Maybe I’m not so alone in that; Georgetown University Medical System, for instance, lists heat and cold intolerance among possible symptoms. I’ve learned over the years to manage most of these…