Things came to a head one afternoon. Feeling unwell, Janice experienced a dizzy spell and fell while getting out of the shower. Unable to move or see clearly, she was rushed to the emergency room, where her blood sugar was measured at 1,000 mg\/dL \u2014 a level so high it could trigger a diabetic coma. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and discharged with a new regimen of medications and lifestyle modifications.<\/p>\n
Despite following her doctor\u2019s instructions, Janice\u2019s problems persisted. \u201cEven when eating healthy and taking all my meds, my blood sugar would just skyrocket after meals.\u201d She soon learned her kidneys and heart were also being impacted.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody had bothered to put it all together.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Janice was on up to 25 different medications, but her symptoms continued, and her frustration grew. \u201cI saw so many doctors \u2014 nearly every kind of -ologist you can think of,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\n One day, a chance conversation with someone else\u2019s healthcare provider led to a breakthrough. After mentioning her health struggles in passing, the doctor suggested she might have Cushing\u2019s syndrome. Janice began to research Cushing\u2019s syndrome (also known as hypercortisolism) and was struck by how similar the symptoms seemed to her own. She found a local endocrinologist, shared her suspicions about Cushing\u2019s syndrome, and a combination of blood tests confirmed her theory: Her cortisol levels were highly elevated. Further testing revealed a growth on her pituitary gland was causing the excess cortisol.<\/p>\n \u201cFor so long,\u201d she recalls, \u201cnobody had bothered to put it all together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinally, I look and feel normal again.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n With her Cushing\u2019s syndrome properly diagnosed, Janice underwent surgery to remove her pituitary growth. Her recovery was difficult, but since receiving treatment she has grown stronger, and her Cushing\u2019s symptoms are better. She remembers feeling that \u201cat last, there was light at the end of the tunnel.\u201d<\/p>\n While Janice\u2019s journey has not been easy, today she is much healthier. She has lost 50 pounds, her hypertension is under control, her blood sugar has returned to normal levels, her kidney function is stable, and she has resumed her active lifestyle.<\/p>\n When speaking with other patients who face similar symptoms, she urges them to be proactive in their care. \u201cA lot of people are walking around with Cushing\u2019s and don\u2019t know it. It\u2019s everyone\u2019s responsibility to educate doctors so they can help new patients.\u201d She cites her own experience as living proof, adding: \u201cFinally, I look and feel normal again. And I\u2019m so grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n If you suspect you may have hypercortisolism or Cushing\u2019s syndrome, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n
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