Welcome to my blog! You can start by getting to know a bit more About me or for a more detailed explanation of how I was diagnosed, have a read of my posts The Journey to Cushing's Syndrome and Part II the saga continues. Bienvenue sur mon blog! Vous pouvez commencez par decouvrir Mon Histoire avec Cushing's

Monday, 20 August 2012

Back in London town

It's been over a month since I last posted and a few things have happened since then. Firstly, I flew back to London on the 15th of July to attend my endocrinology appointment on the 17th. But after finding out that I was suffering from recurrence I had pretty much decided that I was moving back to London anyway. Although this was slightly disappointing as I'd hoped to stay in Hong Kong a little longer, I just felt more comfortable being treated in London where they have most of my medical history and more importantly, I speak the language (i.e. English).

Though I was unable to see my usual endo and had to wait for about an hour, the doctor I met with was very friendly, understanding and took the time to listen to me. He also confirmed (again) that he agreed with the diagnosis of Cushing's recurrence. He then went on to inform me that he wanted to act on it fairly quickly for 2 reasons. 1) Medication to treat Cushing's is toxic for your liver and very difficult to dose accurately therefore it is highly discouraged and 2) the neurosurgeon that did my first surgery and is arguably the best neuro in the UK is retiring soon. In fact, he told me he was retiring in 3 months which kinda freaked me out because I knew that I had my trips to France and the US planned and I really didn't want to have to cancel them. Luckily it turns out he isn't retiring until December but I only found that out a couple of days ago so until then I was stressing wondering whether I'd have to cancel my US trip and miss out on my friend's wedding.

So on the health front, the next step is a T3 MRI which is happening at the end of the month and if the tumour still isn't visible then I'll probably have to undergo IPSS which I think I've explained before. Basically it's a test where they thread a catheter up your thigh all the way to your brain so that they can take blood samples along the way and see where your body is excreting the cortisol. Apparently the procedure is as nasty as it sounds because you have to be awake for it! Needless to say, I pray I won't have to go through it...

Apart from the health worries (which have become part and parcel of my life), everything else is going pretty well. I am so proud to have been accepted on a Counselling Psychology course. I was supposed to start in September but which everything going on I think that I will be requesting for a January start instead. I think it's more sensible because I'm likely to have surgery in the next few months and recovery is no joke.

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

Roller coaster of life

We're always told that life is like a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs. But I don't think I ever realised how high up or how low life could really go until I was diagnosed with Cushing's. In the grand scheme of things I can't really complain as I'm still here, still living and breathing. But to be honest I wouldn't mind having a go on the merry-go-round for a while. The wooden horses only go up and down a little but mostly go round and round in circles. Sure it would get boring, but the slower pace would be nice once in a while.

I guess it just seems like since I've been suffering from Cushing's things go from one extreme to the other! And I'm not just referring to my mood swings...
Just a few days ago I was ecstatic because I found out that I'd not only completed my Masters, but I'd gotten 9 As and only 2 Bs meaning I would be awarded a mark of Distinction. And today, I find out that my Cushing's recurrence has been confirmed. I failed to suppress on both the low dose and high dose dexamethasone tests. It was such a crushing thing to hear. Sure I was somewhat prepared but still... You always hold out hope...

Friday, 15 June 2012

Forget you

Here it is, Friday's Cushie music video. I'd like to say that I will keep making more but I'm not sure I will still have inspiration. But I will definitely try.
In the mean time, please enjoy this one and feel free to SHARE with as many people as you want/can.
It's important to raise awareness for Cushing's whether it be through a humorous way like this or by talking about the more serious side.

Have a great Friday and weekend!