Chronically Yours
— Noura Costany

Chronic stress can negatively affect a person’s memory. Because Cushing’s disease is characterized by elevated cortisol levels, putting our bodies in a state of chronic stress, those of us with the condition may experience memory issues. For me, it’s a huge issue that deeply affects my life. My short-term…

I have felt hopeless on many occasions. When I first got sick with Cushing’s disease and nobody seemed to know what was wrong with me, I felt completely devastated. When I underwent surgery to remove my pituitary tumor, it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,…

Many people with Cushing’s disease have the dreaded “buffalo hump.” Mine appeared a few years before my official diagnosis. My husband pointed out a weird lump between my shoulders, but I shrugged it off as bad posture and started stretching to correct it. However, as the lump grew larger…

Sex and intimacy can be uncomfortable to discuss. It can feel like a private conversation, especially after receiving a medical diagnosis that affects your sex life. However, it’s important to be open and honest about how chronic illness can affect intimacy so that the topic becomes less taboo. With…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various medications and supplements. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. My Cushing’s disease treatment plan has changed many times over the years. I have blood work done every…

I am nine months postpartum, and while I’ve recovered from the urgent cesarean section and am managing motherhood to the best of my abilities, it has been a wild ride. While the initial postpartum period typically lasts six to eight weeks, full healing can take up to a year.

I smile the entire night, have a few sips of wine, and push myself. A long walk? You bet. A staircase? I can handle it. You want to eat at 9 p.m. and then go home in the dark? Sure. I try my best to appear normal. It’s not that…

I’ve been sick with Cushing’s disease for so long that being unhealthy is basically my status quo. I don’t blink at headaches or go to the doctor when my bones are aching. If I had every single issue checked out, I’d never leave the hospital. Simply going about my…

There is much room for improvement when it comes to mobility aids. Most of the affordable options are one-size-fits-all and not tailored to an individual’s needs. Even though I rely on assistive devices, none of them is a perfect fit for me. Cushing’s disease has left me with myriad…

I’ve only been a parent for eight months, and my daughter is the greatest decision I’ve ever made, hands down. I love her endlessly, and I’m so grateful that I have her in my life. She has taught me so much about myself already, and together we have been learning…

I drink water all day long and carry a reusable water bottle with me. I even have an app that reminds me to drink water so I don’t forget. I take all my medications with water and never leave the house without it. It turns out, however, that despite my…