My medical support group helps me navigate pregnancy with Cushing’s

I’m terrible at asking for help. It’s important to me to prove that I can handle anything, despite my disability with Cushing’s disease. I have high expectations for myself and big goals I’m striving to achieve, and I don’t want to rely on anyone else to reach them. But at 17 weeks pregnant, I’m exhausted.

I asked my OB-GYN for some moral and emotional support, and she connected me with an online support group for pregnant people and new parents. Every month, we get together with my OB-GYN and a certified nurse to discuss parenthood, childbirth, and pregnancy. This has been amazing for me, especially since I recently moved to Michigan from New York and haven’t had the opportunity to make new friends yet.

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Breastfeeding

I am currently working on my breastfeeding plan. I’ll have to start taking my Cushing’s disease medication again after giving birth. However, I’m still uncertain whether I’ll be able to breastfeed while on my treatment.

Of course, I consult my doctor, but when I brought up my concern with the support group, I was referred to a free breastfeeding consultation, which is exciting. I feel like I’m on the path to better understanding what I can and can’t do while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy symptoms

I’m experiencing a ton of pregnancy symptoms, and surprisingly, many overlap with Cushing’s symptoms, including late-night hunger, insomnia, fatigue, and high blood pressure. Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if an issue is due to pregnancy or Cushing’s, which can be confusing and a little disorienting.

Because we review symptoms in my support group, they’ve been able to help me see what’s “normal.” They also share solutions and coping mechanisms. For example, I have been having minor dizzy spells accompanied by an increased heart rate, which really spooked me. I learned to alert my doctor if it’s unsolvable, but for the most part, I’ve found I feel better after lying down, drinking a lot of fluids, and putting some ice on the back of my neck.

Isolation

Lastly, this group has helped me feel less isolated. I don’t have a driver’s license due to peripheral vision issues, and I couldn’t drive in New York City. I’m working on getting a license in Michigan, where it’s much quieter and easier to drive, but in the meantime, I’m mostly alone at the house. Between pregnancy, Cushing’s, and working on our new home, I haven’t had much time to meet new friends.

It’s been nice talking to other people and hearing different perspectives in my support group. I look forward to learning more.

If you’re feeling alone, please consider reaching out to a healthcare provider. I didn’t know medical support groups like this existed, and it has made a big difference in my mental health.

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.