Question:
Has anyone been diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome?

I went to see my surgeon for the WLS and was told that he didn't think I had "true" obesity, and that he thought it could be hormonal instead. He thinks it could be Cushing's syndrome. I would be grateful if this is all it is, but I am still depressed about being over weight. Has anyone's doc ever tested them for this before they had surgery? Thanks.    — Kimberly H. (posted on February 22, 2001)

February 22, 2001
Get checked out by your regular doc. There's some outward signs of Cushing's Syndrome that the surgeon must have picked up on. WLS may be back on the table once you get the Cushing's taken care of. BTW, Barbra Bush had the same thing. Take care dear, and see your doctor.
   — blank first name B.

February 23, 2001
Kim, I tried to respond personally but your e-mail bounced back. I was checked about 2 yrs. ago for Cushings.(I do not have it). According to my Endocrinologist it can be very difficult to detect. My personal Dr. sent me as I have a rather larger Buffalo hump(fat deposit)on the back of my neck, also facial hair and was on steroids for Asthma. You need to go speak with your personal physician first and see if you "qualify" with the symptoms.According the The Harvards Guide to Women's Health "the most common cause of Cushing syndrome is the long-term use of steroids, often prescribed for asthma and rheumatoid arthritis". Anyway,"Cushing Syndrome is a disorder caused by excess levels of glucocorticoids, hormones that regulate the metabolism". It was ruled out for me by 2 different 24 hr. urine collections and blood work. Have your Dr. call the surgeon to see why he feels this way. Good luck and best of health.
   — Linda M.

March 5, 2001
Hi Kim, I wrote earlier but I don't think it went thru. I have Addisons disease and because of excess steroids, I also have cushings disease. I am about 80lbs overweight and have been trying to lose the weight since the diagnoses in 1995. I have the buffalo hump and what drs call stria (it is large ,red, painful stretch marks on my stomach and back. Are you on steroids for any reason? And do you take a high dose? If you want to ask me any ?s personally, my e-mail address is [email protected]
   — Dianna W.