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 it: It’s scary.

The good news is that not every symptom indicates Cushing’s return.

Fear of Cushing’s striking back is major and rational. Cushing’s disease has effects throughout our bodies, so it’s difficult to discern between bodily problems that are and are not related to the disease.

Many people around you will think that you overthink everything and will tell you to stop. That’s normal. They didn’t go through Cushing’s disease, so they will never understand the intense fear of wondering whether it’s returning. Express that to them and describe the terror of going through ailments while recovering, and of being uncertain if the ailments are significant.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be vigilant. If something in your body makes you anxious or sparks panic attacks, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor to get bloodwork done. There is no harm in getting symptoms checked out.

Take it from me: I have awful post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from Cushing’s disease, and I can’t tell you how many times I have made anxious appointments with my family doctor and endocrinologist to ensure my body was safe.

For about seven months, I had severe nausea, vomiting, and headaches, so I thought my Cushing’s disease was returning. As it turned out, my symptoms resulted from severe anxiety related to PTSD, according to the doctors. Yes, I was sick, but not with a tumor in my brain or adrenal glands.

Always listen to your body and trust your gut when it comes to what you feel. It’s better to have something checked out than to mistakenly ignore something bad.

Recovery is definitely a trying time, and as I preach to you almost every week, patience is key! Be patient with your mind and body; you’re enduring not only physical recovery but also a major mental recovery. If you reach a low point, ride the wave and ask for help whenever necessary. Do not be ashamed if your mental health dips while you recover. It’s bound to happen, and it’s completely understandable given how much you’ve gone through to receive a diagnosis and have surgery.

If you have any advice on what to do when having a hard time or mysterious symptoms during recovery, leave a comment below!

XOXO,

Catarina

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Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s disease.