High blood pressure and a history of Cushing’s land me in the hospital

“We need you to come to the hospital.”

I never expected to hear those words when I did. I was 25 weeks pregnant, and everything had been going relatively smoothly. Sure, I’d dealt with some minor issues like skin problems and fatigue, but nothing alarming.

A few days before I called triage, I began experiencing occasional dizzy spells. When I took my blood pressure, it was above 151/89. The first time my blood pressure was high, I lay down with an ice pack, and it eventually went down. Unfortunately, the dizziness returned the next day, and my blood pressure was still elevated at 141/86. To be cautious, I decided to call the triage line.

Triage is a 24-hour helpline connected to the University of Michigan, where my OB-GYN practices. When I called, I spoke with someone about my symptoms, genuinely expecting them to tell me I was overreacting. Instead, they asked numerous questions about my history with Cushing’s disease.

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I was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease in 2020 and have been dealing with its effects ever since. Initially, I underwent surgery to remove a pituitary tumor, but when a second tumor developed, we opted for medical treatment for a while. Due to my pregnancy, I am currently off my Cushing’s medication to ensure it doesn’t harm my baby or the placenta, which increases my risk of complications in the third trimester.

After learning about my Cushing’s history, the nurse asked me to go to the hospital as a precaution. It was scary; no one wants to head to the hospital late at night. Stepping out into the cold helped me feel better, and I drank a lot of water on the way, trying to remain calm despite the situation.

Continuing to monitor my health

Upon arriving at the hospital, I was taken to the triage wing. Fortunately, there was no wait, and I was seen immediately. I was given a bed, and my blood pressure was monitored every 15 minutes for two hours. It gradually decreased from 151/89 to a more normal 117/76.

We also monitored the baby’s heartbeat, and they used a small disc to check for any contractions, which thankfully, I wasn’t having. An electrocardiogram was conducted for the first time to assess my heart’s rhythm and identify any irregularities. Approximately 10 wires were connected to my chest, arms, and legs to monitor my heart rate. Fortunately, everything appeared normal.

Lastly, extensive blood work was done. My white blood cell count was high, as usual, and the protein level in my urine was slightly elevated. This could indicate a risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication caused by high blood pressure. Since Cushing’s disease can also raise protein levels, it’s difficult to determine if anything serious is going on.

For now, we’ve established a monitoring plan for the future. I’ll need to undergo more protein tests over the next few months, and I’ve been advised to watch for specific warning signs, including swelling in my hands and feet, pain on my right side (especially below my ribs), and persistent headaches that don’t improve with pain medication or rest.

Despite the anxiety this trip to the hospital caused me, I’m grateful for how thorough my medical team has been. I was in and out of the hospital the same night, and I feel reassured knowing we have a plan in place. I’m still experiencing some dizzy spells, so for now, I’ll continue to monitor my condition and take it easy.

Cushing’s disease complicates my pregnancy, but the most important lesson I’ve learned is to always make the call, even if it seems unnecessary. My health is the priority, and had I not called, we might not have caught the elevation in my protein levels this early.

Here’s hoping it doesn’t lead to preeclampsia!

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.