#cushing's disease

[dyslexicorn]

So I won't go on tiktok for literal money but this is....idk..it's something. Because I was one of the "rare cases" where my face WAS swollen from this bullshit tiktok term "cortisol face." I had a tumor on my pituitary gland making my body produce cortisol at an alarming rate. And it was literally killing me. I was an extremely lucky case, in that it only took about a year of diagnostics before I had two surgeries going in through my nose to the pit gland before it was removed. I am still recovering even three years later. Gotta say it feels pretty shitty to find out tiktok is reducing an multifaceted disease that kills people to "your face is fat!"

It's called Cushing's Disease. It can be florid or cyclic. It's debilitating. I was puffy, red, constantly tired, over heated. I gained 100 pounds in less than a year. I couldn't walk any significant distance. My heart rate was 133 bpms resting. My heart now has an enlarged left ventricle which I will probably have the rest of my life. I only narrowly escaped massive medical debt because of a fluke of insurance I happened to have. To hear that there are people peddling the thing that tried really hard to destroy my life as an explanation as to why someone does or doesn't look a certain way is just the brand of fucked up I expect from tiktok.

If you think you might have this disease I urge you to ask your doctor or endocrinologist for a cortisol urine and cortisol blood serum test to get checked out. It's real and allegedly rare, but this isn't time for my speculations on that.

So while it isn't a made up trend, it is a very real, very painful and damaging disease. I'm not really sure why I wrote this. Just that it upset me and I figured I'd crawl out of my cave to write about a singular thing I can actually speak to. Thanks for coming to my ted talk I guess.

Oh you think you’re fat? Actually you have CORTISOL FACE! Yeah buy this useless product on TikTok shop and follow me for more misinformation and general panic about the next made up trend.

[flowerycoffin]

Guys, I’m sorry but Adam and Mammon look like they have Cushing Syndrome imo

Here’s helpfull graphic from this site (also read what is it. It’s very interesting disease and not all people know about it)

Adam less, even tho in some shots he looks like he’s supposed to have a bigger belly which makes him look so strange and ugh Mammon slim hands convinced me he probably also has slim arms and legs

[astersmelody]

me when im scared of getting a cane and telling people why i have one because they’ll call me fat and “undeserving” of a cane

my back fucking hurts from my stomach holding like 85% of my weight from Cushing’s LMAO

[mistywitcher]

so i haven’t posted on tumblr in ages because i ended up having brain surgery!

tina tumour is gone! it was a rough few weeks following the surgery, but i think im coming out the other side now!

i no longer have cushing’s disease as my surgery was successful! my cortisol has dropped and now i have secondary adrenal insufficiency and have to take replacement cortisol!

i’m exhausted a lot of the time, have headaches most days but i feel better than i have in years stress wise, and so much mentally with it!

[ogdit]

An addition to my battery acid spaghetti saga

and a later addition

[med4lif3]

Adrenal Cushing's syndrome (research post)

Cushing's syndrome refers to an abnormally high amount of cortisol present in blood.

How is Adrenal Cushing's syndrome caused?:

A tumor present on the adrenal glands (located above both kidneys) will produce an excessive amount of cortisol. This tumor can be malignant or benign, however both types will secrete cortisol.

This extra production of cortisol that is sent throughout the bloodstream, triggers the onset of hypercortisolism in blood (Cushing’s syndrome)

Benign tumors include: Adrenal adenomas (Tumor growing along the epithelial tissue of the adrenal gland) and micronodular hyperplasia (Micronodules growing along the adrenal gland)

Malignant tumors that could cause Cushing’s include: Adrenal carcinomas (Tumor that similar to an adenoma, forms in the epithelial tissue of the adrenal gland)

What are some symptoms?:

Weight gain in the central part of the body (Thin arms and legs)

Rounded face (referred to as moon face)

Fragile skin, prone to easy bruising and poor wound healing

Muscle weakness

Hypertension

Memory loss

Depression

Sleeplessness

Women may also experience: Irregularity or loss of periods (Amenorrhea) and male-pattern face and body hair growth (hirsutism)

Men may also experience: Erectile dysfunction

Types of treatment available?:

Patients can use medications that target the adrenal glands in order to control the excessive cortisol production. Medications include: Ketoconazole, Osilodrostat, and Mitotane

A more permanent option of treating Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome would be an adrenalectomy, in which patients have their adrenal glands surgically removed.

___

Note: First post and whew, this was really interesting to research the mechanics of Cushing's syndrome itself. It was also cool to find out that tumors just produce hormones?? The body works in really funny way...but anyways to finish off here is a meme I made (it isnt very funny but the background photo's dumb so i still laughed)

[nevadancitizen]

hey i know this is a bit different from my other posts but my dog just got diagnosed with diabetes. i don’t need money (and please don’t offer it), i just want someone who’s lived with a diabetic dog to tell me what it was like for them.

she’s 13 y/o, a blue heeler mutt mix, ~50 lbs, and the sweetest girl ever. i grew up with this dog and i love her with all my heart. it would absolutely shatter me if anything bad were to happen to her, especially if i could’ve prevented it.

i can afford her insulin, her glucose monitors, special diet foods, and i know how to administer her shots. she is showing signs of cataracts, and her bloodwork is showing possible signs of cushing’s disease. if anyone has lived experience and is comfortable sharing, please feel free to comment/dm me.

please do not recommend i euthanize her. i’ve had this dog since i was six. we grew up together. i literally don’t know a life without her. even if you think it’s best, please keep it to yourself.

thank you for your time <3

[hanorganaas]

i finally got a "cushings i know what that is cause a family member has it" from a co worker. its nice not having to spend 20 minutes explaining how my cortisol levels got wonky for a change considering how rare it is.

[ashleywool]

72 hours until my in-person callback

...with the neuroendocrine surgeon! 😜

Confirmed: there is a lesion on my pituitary gland which may be either a pituitary adenoma, a Rathke's cleft cyst that's behaving like a pituitary adenoma, or both. Whatever you wanna call it, it seems to be the source of all this crap, and surgery will be the next step.

I am SO grateful to the scheduling team for following through on their promise to call me the second a cancellation came up so I wouldn't have to wait until mid-September. I can't wait to SKIP off the subway into the UES on Tuesday morning (if not physically, then spiritually). I can't wait to MAYBE HOPEFULLY have surgery scheduled by this time next week, to get this stupid tumor thing off my pituitary gland for good.

I'm starting to feel some sadness about the prospect of leaving this apartment. This second-story walkup studio, the first lease I ever signed. This apartment was my dream for so long. For a whole year, I got to live that dream--and for half of that year, I even got to pay for it myself.

It's weird, as a person who believes in disability pride and abhors capitalism, that my two primary goals right now are (1) obtain this surgery so that I can become healthier, (e.g., less disabled), and (2) in doing so, obtain the ability to work as hard as I can, so I will have a shot at attaining financial independence again, and maybe even retaining it this time.

But no. That's not it. What I want is to feel better, so I can do more things that I love, and earn enough of my keep to have my needs met and be able to give back to the world in a meaningful way.

I want to work because there are so many things I enjoy working at. I want to make money because participating in capitalism is the only way to ultimately free yourself from its trappings and help others do the same.

And also, I want to sing and dance and roller skate and walk in the woods and read all the books and pet all the cats and bake cookies from scratch and engage in all the niche fandom content and visit my family and friends whenever I want and host them for holidays without worrying about whether or not I'll have the energy.

Tuesday will bring me one step closer to all of that. Thank God. God is still good.

Just over 71 hours.

[sar-kasstic]

Feels like I'm throwing a line in a pool of tar but....anyone heard of/had/has/cured from something called Cushings Disease?

[gagfadget]

I miss my cringe ass boo boo fuck nae nae baby ♥️♥️♥️

[brainspinemd02]

Innovative Treatments for Lumbar Spine Disorders in Orange County

In recent years, the medical landscape has witnessed significant advancements in the treatment of lumbar spine disorders, particularly in regions like Orange County. As the demand for effective pain relief and improved mobility continues to rise, healthcare providers have been compelled to adapt and innovate their treatment offerings. The lumbar spine, which is critical for supporting the upper body and facilitating movement, can be a source of discomfort due to various conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. This article delves into the innovative treatments available for lumbar spine disorders in Orange County, highlighting the importance of personalized care and cutting-edge technology.

Understanding Lumbar Spine Disorders

Lumbar spine disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the lower back, causing pain and limiting everyday activities. These disorders often stem from age-related wear and tear, injuries, or underlying medical conditions. The symptoms can vary widely, from localized pain to radiating discomfort in the legs. Understanding these disorders is crucial for developing effective treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs.

One of the most common conditions, herniated discs, occurs when the soft tissue between the vertebrae bulges or ruptures, causing nerve compression. This can lead to debilitating pain that significantly impacts a person’s quality of life. Similarly, spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spinal canal — can also constrict nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Recognizing the specific nature of these lumbar conditions is essential for selecting the most appropriate treatment options.

Innovative Treatment Modalities

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized the treatment of lumbar spine disorders. This approach utilizes small incisions and advanced imaging techniques to guide surgical instruments, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. It results in reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery. For patients in Orange County, these benefits translate into a quicker return to daily activities and an overall improvement in their quality of life.

Procedures such as microdiscectomy and spinal fusion have become more refined with the advent of minimally invasive techniques. Microdiscectomy entails the removal of a herniated portion of a disc, alleviating pressure on nearby nerves. This procedure, when performed minimally invasively, allows for enhanced precision and reduced postoperative discomfort. Similarly, spinal fusion, which involves joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, has seen advancements that make it safer and more effective.

Regenerative Medicine

Another promising avenue for lumbar spine treatment in Orange County is regenerative medicine. This approach harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissues. Techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell injections are gaining traction as effective treatments for lumbar spine disorders.

PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the affected area of the spine. The growth factors in the platelets promote healing and reduce inflammation, addressing the underlying issues that contribute to pain. Stem cell therapy, on the other hand, uses stem cells to regenerate damaged disc tissue, which can lead to improved function and pain relief.

These regenerative treatments not only aim to alleviate symptoms but also address the root causes of lumbar disorders, offering patients a holistic approach to spine health. The integration of regenerative medicine into treatment protocols in Orange County illustrates a commitment to innovative and patient-centered care.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

While surgical and regenerative options are critical components of treatment, physical therapy remains an integral part of managing lumbar spine disorders. In Orange County, specialized physical therapy programs are designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function.

Therapists employ a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities such as heat or electrical stimulation, to facilitate recovery. Tailored rehabilitation programs not only help patients recover from surgery but also provide strategies to prevent future injuries. By focusing on strengthening the core and improving posture, physical therapy empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery journey.

The Role of Advanced Imaging Techniques

To ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning, advanced imaging techniques play a vital role in the management of lumbar spine disorders. In Orange County, healthcare providers utilize state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT scans, to visualize the intricate structures of the spine.

These imaging modalities enable clinicians to identify the specific nature of a patient’s condition, facilitating targeted treatment approaches. For instance, an MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, helping to assess disc health and nerve compression. This information is invaluable for developing personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique circumstances.

Navigating the Path to Recovery

As patients in Orange County seek relief from lumbar spine disorders, the journey toward recovery can be complex. It often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of various healthcare professionals. From orthopedic specialists to pain management experts and physical therapists, collaboration is essential in ensuring comprehensive care.

Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their treatment plans, engaging in discussions about their goals and preferences. This shared decision-making process fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, ultimately leading to better outcomes. With the support of dedicated healthcare providers, individuals can navigate their path to recovery with confidence.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Excellence in Lumbar Spine Treatment

In conclusion, the landscape of lumbar spine treatment in Orange County is marked by innovation and a commitment to patient-centered care. With advancements in minimally invasive surgery, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation, individuals suffering from lumbar spine disorders can access effective treatment options tailored to their unique needs. The integration of advanced imaging techniques further enhances the ability to diagnose and manage these conditions accurately.

For those seeking relief from lumbar spine disorders, the journey to recovery is within reach. With a focus on personalized care and cutting-edge technology, patients can look forward to improved function and a renewed quality of life. To explore the innovative treatment options available, individuals are encouraged to connect with Robert Louis MD, a trusted name in the field of lumbar spine care, to discuss their specific needs and embark on a path toward lasting relief.

[drendocrine]

Cushing’s Disease & Pituitary Health: Understanding the Connection 

Cushing’s disease is a rare but serious endocrine disorder caused by the overproduction of cortisol, often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland.  

This excess cortisol can lead to a variety of symptoms that impact multiple systems in the body, and without proper treatment, it can have lasting effects on overall health. 

At Endocrinology Associates, we understand the critical role the pituitary gland plays in regulating hormone levels and the complexities surrounding conditions like Cushing’s disease.  

Our team is dedicated to diagnosing and managing this condition to help patients maintain optimal health. 

What Is Cushing’s Disease? 

Cushing’s disease occurs when a benign tumor (adenoma) on the pituitary gland produces excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).  

This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, leading to elevated levels in the bloodstream. Cortisol is vital for regulating stress responses, metabolism, and immune system function, but too much can have detrimental effects. 

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease 

Cushing’s disease symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for other health conditions, making early diagnosis critical. Common signs include: 

Weight Gain: Particularly in the face (moon face), upper back, and abdomen, while arms and legs may remain thin. 

Thinning Skin: Easy bruising and slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. 

Muscle Weakness: Loss of strength, especially in the upper arms and thighs. 

High Blood Pressure: Cortisol's effect on salt and water balance can raise blood pressure. 

Osteoporosis: Fragile bones that break more easily. 

Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, and irritability are common psychological effects. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Cushing’s Disease 

While the cause of most pituitary tumors remains unknown, there are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of Cushing’s disease: 

Pituitary Adenomas: The primary cause, these noncancerous tumors lead to excessive ACTH production. 

Prolonged Corticosteroid Use: Some cases are linked to long-term use of corticosteroid medications, which can mimic the effects of Cushing’s disease. 

Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease 

At Endocrinology Associates, we provide individualized treatment options based on each patient's condition and the severity of their symptoms. Our goal is to restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life. 

Surgery: Removing the pituitary tumor is the most common and effective treatment. Dr. Elena A. Christofides and her team work closely with neurosurgeons to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. 

Medications: If surgery isn’t an option or isn’t fully effective, medications can help control cortisol production or block its effects on the body. 

Radiation Therapy: In cases where surgery and medication are not sufficient, targeted radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor. 

Lifestyle Modifications: Managing diet, stress levels, and blood pressure can help mitigate symptoms while undergoing treatment. 

Why Pituitary Health Matters 

The pituitary gland, often called the "master gland," is responsible for regulating many of the body’s key functions by controlling hormone production.  

Any disruption in its function, such as a tumor causing Cushing’s disease, can lead to significant health issues. Early detection and treatment are essential to preventing long-term complications. 

Managing Cushing’s Disease with Endocrinology Associates 

Dr. Elena A. Christofides and her expert team at Endocrinology Associates are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. We work to diagnose Cushing’s disease early and develop personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and long-term health. 

If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of Cushing’s disease, or if you have concerns about your pituitary health, schedule a consultation with Endocrinology Associates today. 

Schedule a Consultation 

Contact Endocrinology Associates today to learn more about how we can help you manage Cushing’s disease and support your pituitary health. 

Location:  72 W 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43201  Phone: (614) 453-9999 

[astersmelody]

ahhhh. is it a common thing to see chronically ill tags when you are, in fact, chronically ill but your pain isnt as "bad" as other peoples pain so you sometimes question if ur actually chronically ill or just faking (i am legally and professionally diagnosed)

[mistywitcher]

something i didn’t anticipate was being able to feel the tumour in my head.

AND THATS FREAKY.

i’ve had this constant low key headache for about a month, and have no realised ITS LITERALLY MY TUMOUR.

tina tumour is not cool.

tina tumour needs to be taken out.

fuck u tina tumour