Chronically Yours
— Noura Costany

It took me two years to get diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. I suffered as I moved from doctor to doctor, begging them to figure out what was wrong with me. I was tested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid issues, and cervical cancer.

My body has changed so much over the past few years due to both Cushing’s disease and its treatment. An excess production of cortisol can wreak havoc on the body in many ways, causing symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, striae, buffalo humps, and bruising.

A rare illness like Cushing’s disease can be difficult to diagnose. When searching for a diagnosis back in 2018, I dealt with myriad dismissals: “You just have anxiety.” “Lose more weight and you’ll be fine.” “It’s all in your head.” I’ve…

I’m in bed, and it’s hours after I am supposed to have gotten up. The blanket feels heavier than usual and the burden of the day is overwhelming. I have things to do and work to finish, but pushing myself out of bed seems like the hardest thing I’ve ever…

When I first started to experience Cushing’s disease, I had no idea what was happening to my body. Doctors blamed my symptoms on depression, anxiety, polycystic ovary syndrome, eating issues, and more. I thought I was going crazy, until I finally learned about Cushing’s disease. After that,…

New Year’s brings a lot of pressure to change, revolutionize, and become a new version of yourself. Lose those 20 pounds. Run a marathon. Read a book every day. Get a new job. A lot of these resolutions feel so out of reach for me. I can’t run a marathon.

Cushing’s disease is known to cause weight gain, which can be difficult and even overwhelming for those of us who have it. I gained 70 pounds with my first pituitary tumor before it was removed in 2020. After that endoscopic pituitary surgery, I was able to lose…

Chronic illness isn’t just tiring; it’s expensive. Medications, doctor appointments, pain remedies — all of it adds up, and quickly. In the United States, the average direct cost of healthcare for a person with chronic illness is $6,032 annually. That number is five times greater than it is for…

I’ve always known that I wanted to have children. However, because of the economy and my current work situation, my husband and I don’t have enough money to have kids right now. Therefore, we’ve made the difficult but exciting decision to begin the process of freezing embryos. This will…

Practicing self-care has always been difficult for me, as I’m constantly moving, working, reading, or writing in an effort to better myself. I find it difficult to take time out of my day to care for my body, but with Cushing’s disease, it’s incredibly important to do so. Embracing…

Weak. Pathetic. Useless. Worthless. I’ve found myself staring in the mirror, calling myself all of those names. Coming to terms with Cushing’s disease and its effects on my body is an ongoing battle, especially because the disease is ever-changing. I can have no symptoms one day, and then…

Managing an illness while living a normal life can be draining. To keep up with both, I keep a backpack full of helpful items with me at all times. Some of these tools simply help me feel better, while others offer physical support. Since I was diagnosed with Cushing’s…