Cushing's??

[Meaux]

My OBGYN wants me to go to an endocrinologist to be tested for Cushing's syndrome. I have a basic idea of what it is, and it would CERTAINLY explain a lot. Does anyone here have any sort of experience with this?

[jesvetmed]

I'm a veterinarian... so read this with that in mind;)

Dogs actually get this fairly often. It is an overactive adrenal gland (hyperadrenocortisim) either due directly to the adrenal gland itself, or to the pituitary gland being overactive and telling the adrenal gland to make more steroids in the body than necessary. Usually it causes increased drinking and urination, weight gain (or perceived wt gain), weakening of muscles -- in dogs we get a "pot belly" effect because the abdominal muscles weaken and can no longer support the abdominal contents, so they hang lower. It can cause thinning hair and thickened, hyperpigmented skin as well as really thin skin. It can also be a result of long term steroid use such as for allergic problems, or immune-mediated diseases.

Here is link to a website with basic (human) information... I'm sure you've already done a search, but in case you missed one!


http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cushings-syndrome-treatment-overview

Good luck with whatever you find out.

[elk]

I had a dog wih Cushings and we didn't want to go the traditional route...after a great deal of research, we had him on a Chinese herb called Si Mio San and Phosphatydal Serine (spelling???) Helped enormously.

Just some info to keep in mind if you do have it. Especially the Phos Serine.

[bmccasland]

My spaniel mutt, Branwen, died of it.

While Branwen was sick, between comments from her Vets, and my internet searches - in people, very often Cushings is secondary to steriod use. In NO way am I infering that you, Meaux, are doping, especially since your doctor wants to send you to to an endocrinologist, as biological reasons are harder to deal with than just stopping taking steriods. Although while Branwen was sick, she had very thin skin (thanks to the Cushings), and would get NASTY abscesses, so I was given an antibiotic powder to treat her wounds with. Her Vets were careful to make certain that NO additional steriods were given to her, as her poor little adrenal gland was cranking out 10 times normal amounts. So you might want to ask your pharmacist if there are any steriods in any medications you might be taking. I joke with the folks I ride with that I'd test positive for 'roids since I use asthma inhalers in order to ride.

Good luck, and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

[Meaux]

No, no doping. :) It's a funny idea, though. Maybe I should go to a vet for this! He said it was probably nothing, but he was concerned and thought I should just get a test for it. I'm getting caught up on my other doctor/dentist appointments that are long overdue, so I'll be going to the endocrinologist in the next couple of months. I had no idea that dogs got it so frequently!

[LBTC]

I have not been diagnosed with Cushings, but I was quite ill for a year and a half, and, after western medicine failed to find me any solutions (I still don't think I have Crohn's disease!), I moved on to naturopathic practitioners. After only six months of working with my NPs we had a breakthrough and feel that the whole thing was caused by adrenal stress.

I'm now taking supplements to support my adrenal system, and my massage therapist and acupuncturist work on supporting adrenals as well. I haven't felt this good in years!

Just a thought that there may be more that can be done, that isn't drugs. :D

Sending butterflies for healing and so you feel awesome!

Hugs,
~T~

[Meaux]

Thanks everybody! I appreciate all of it. I won't be going to the doctor for another month or so, but I'm looking forward to getting to the bottom of a lot of the issues I've been having. I'll keep my toes crossed. Except when I'm on the bike. That might hurt. :D