MY JOURNEY TO DIAGNOSIS
I didn’t start seeking treatment until physical stuff started happening. In 2018, my marriage was on the rocks. I started getting what I call “core dumps”—something triggers me and I go into a black, emotional space. I thought it was just depression (and maybe it was) but when physical symptoms began, I started feeling like it could all be connected.
I think it took about 3 years to get diagnosed—it happened recently.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Overcoming challenges is still a process for me. I am struggling with the sheer lack of physical and mental strength I once had. I haven't been able to effectively run my business because of my "brain fog.” I can't remember conversations. And I now have to use a walker for extended distances.
My mood and behavior were also affected by my Cushing’s disease and for a long time, I didn’t realize it. Now I have an answer for why I felt the way I did, but I am struggling with the idea of how I may have affected other people during this time. Now that I have been diagnosed and I will be having surgery and getting any treatment I need, I am focused on trying to make things right.
MY MESSAGE TO OTHERS
I don’t think people who don’t have Cushing’s disease understand that any little freaky thing that is going on with your mind and body, it seems like it could be attributed to Cushing's disease; but you never really know. That’s difficult.
Honestly, what I would really like people who don’t have Cushing’s disease to know is this: It sucks. It really sucks. Cushing’s disease has affected my life in many ways, even simple ways, and that’s painful. For example, I have always loved to walk, but I haven’t taken a real walk for about 2 years. I can’t walk long distances.
I want people who don’t have Cushing’s disease to understand how it really can affect life—how you feel and how you act—in so many ways. It’s not an excuse, but I think if that were better understood, it would help a lot of people.