How do you go about getting "diagnosed"? I have a lot of symptoms yet I am afraid the docs won't take me seriously with all my other health issues...except THIS could be what is masquerading and causing some of my other problems!
Michelle

I had no idea about such a disease, my family doctor sent me to an endocrinologist, I had two special tests: midnight cortisol test, and Dexamethasone suppression test that confirmed the diagnosis Check out: diagnoswww.pituitarycenter.com/site/test.php

CORRECTION:
SITE:

http://www.pituitarycenter.com/site/test.php

I was diagnosed with Cushings in Nov after a year and a half of dealing with the symptoms. I currently have severe Osteoporosis, broken ribs and broken vertebrae in my spine. I have to have my Pituitary Gland removed and then I need my bones to heal.

hi, i am so glad that there is a thread on this i have all of the symptoms of cushings including the bright red stretch marks all over my body, have done a lot of research on this as i a in the UK it is hard for docs to take it seriously, but one thiing that does concern me is that i have just fallen pregnant after over a year which is ery rare for someone to become pregnant ...i was tested in november with overnght supression test which in a 'normal ' person will come back at 0-6 mine came back at 23, but they wont do anything unless it comes back over 50 so i can;t quite get my head around it, not sure what to do next, any advice would be great especially from people n the UK, as i know the states is different.

I understand what you are going through. I too have had most of these symptoms most of my life. They got worse as I got older. No my doctor is saying that I have "Intermittant Cushings" and until it is full blown, there is really nothing to do. In the mean time I get fatter and more problems arise. I think now I am probrobably diabetic. My friend is pushing me to go to her Endocrinologist, but I understand that he is a real nasty man with zero bedside manner. I'm going to try a new diet (The Flat Belly Diet, by Prevention Magazine)to see if I can get rid of some of this weight. My doctor says it can't hurt.

TO emmacline:

The worst part of Cushing is - if you REALLY have Cushing - NO diet will work, I mean diet could help you not become a ball-shaped monster, but you never would be able to get in "healthy" shape until your body will stop make too much cortisol

Hi everyone,
I have steroid induced Cushings Syndrome, that is caused by extreme steroid therepy to treat lung problems (ABPA and Asthma). I have gained over 100 lbs in the last five years. I have all the symptoms, moodyness, depression, bruising,facial hair growth cognitive impairment...and many more. There is a wonderful web site that is full of information on this disease its causes and its cures. Cushings help.com I check it out everyday. Its a rare disease that noone can completely understand not friends or family, you have to live it to understand its miseries. Tomorrow I am going to an endo. doctor. My interist and pulminary specialist really have little to say except agreeing its bad. I am looking for answers and I will tell you all when I find some.

Take Care Kim

It's not an easy road to getting diagnosed. There are many tests that need to be done and any treatments need to be done by skilled experts because the ramifications of what can happen if you're not treated right afterwards can be devastating. Find yourself a good endocrinologist. Do your homework. Start out with 24 hour Urine Free Cortisol Tests and Salivary Tests, do as many as you can. Most doctors if you come up slightly high or high on those will move you on to the "more diagnostic" tests (i.e. dexamethasone suppression) tests. Don't be discouraged if you do suppress on the Dex test, many do supress and still have Cushing's. It's not the be all and end all test! Good luck!

Hi everyone,
I have cushings and I have just had the operation to remove the tumour in my pituitary gland in my head, I have all the symptoms, hair on face, redness in skin, big pregnant belly, hump on the back of my neck, osteoperosis, broken ribs,knees and ankles...need I go on...but to get rid of all this, you NEED to have the tumour removed that is causing all of this...I had my op 13th April 2008 and i lost 4 kilos just sitting on my butt in Hospital! I have now lost some of my belly and my hump is getting smaller, I have more energy and have lost the redness in my skin...so PLEEASE fellow cushies...dont give up and push your docs for an MRI scan and they will find that little tumour culprit that is doing this to your body.