Cushings

[Torvean32]

Hi. I'm hoping that there's somebody on here that has Cushings.

I've felt like I've had this for a while but my Gp won't test.

I was a size 6 ( no eating disorder ). Don't have a big appetite and regularly exercise.

Then I suddenly gain weight for no reason and now I'm overweight. I was seen by a consultant last week ( unrelated to this) who thinks my liver is now enlarged.

Other things - Im early 40s , I've had no period for a year, I get bad acne, bruise easily and cuts dont heal. I also have high blood pressure. I have poor sleep and can't concentrate.

Im hypothyroid but have been for 12 years and levels stable. I'm not on any medication that would cause weight gain.

I called my GP again. They've said they'll check my thyroid and prolactin but won't agree to test my cortisol.

I'm looking for any advice as it's really upsetting me.

Anybody?

Hi there my brother had cushings, what did you want to know?

I was wondering what symptoms convinvced a Gp to test. And if the initial blood/urine tests can be done at the Gp

Thank you so much for your help.

No the GPS totally missed it, undiagnosed for 4 years, he was literally a text book presentation. It is very very rare (the disease not syndrome) and most GPs will never see a case. He ended up seeing an endocrinologist privately who did bloods and made the diagnosis, then referred back to NHS for op and ongoing care. You must have an endocrinologist for your thyroid, can you ask them?
What symptoms particularly make you think you have it? Meno can cause weight gain too.

I'm not dismissing your concerns btw, just trying to understand x

My mum has it and it took years for her to be diagnosed - she got lucky in that she got the right Dr at the right time, she was undergoing tests for diabetes which has been caused by the disease.
She had a real moon face, skinny arms and legs but a huge mid section, very vivid red stretch marks - she also had depression and irrational outbursts.
She had a tumour on the pituitary gland removed and underwent treatment which dramatically changed her life.

Just spoke to my db he says all his cortisol tests have been done in the hospital. The test you over a day to see your levels, it sounds quite intense.
The thing that made him get a referral was that he had very high levels of calcium in his blood. The cortisol makes your body leach calcium from your bones and can lead to kidney stones. Might be easier for gp to check and would help you get a referral. Which part of the country are you in?

Yy to moon face, dowager hump, skinny arms and legs and huge mid section. Also dry hair and skin.

The weight gain is very specific with Cushings. Face and belly are fat whereas arms and Legs usually are not.

Thank you so much for replying so my reasons for wanting tested.

My weight gain is all on my torso. My arms and legs are thin.
I was size 6, i still eat / exercise the same amount. So no weight gain makes sense.
My face is moon shaped .
I have acne/bruise easily and cuts dont heal.
My periods have stopped
I have high BP
I have really bad sleep issues.

I didn't Google my symptoms I'm a nurse and i have some experience in endocrine. I only see my Gp for my thyroid but i really dont believe its the case as I had it when i was still my original size.

I have gone to slimming world and while working i was going to the gym 5 times a week.

I spoke to a Gp today and she started saying they cant do Dexa tests. I dont want a dexa test they diagnose osteoporosis.
She also said if my thyroid, prolactin levels are normal then they'll give me dietary/exercise advice. Without sounding arrogant i dont need that.

Online you can get tests for cortisol that are checked by Drs then you get a full report. I don't know if i should just do that. I've been asking for checks for 2 years with no success.

Osteoporosis is a symptom of cushings so a dexa scan makes sense.
Don't let then fob you off, insist on a referral to an endocrinologist and if they refuse say you want to see another gp for a second opinion.
It may or may not be cushjngs but an endocrinologist will get ghe right tests to see whats going on.
Have you had your calcium levels checked?

Thank you.
I knew osteoperosis could be a sign. But i thought you would do the more basic tests first.

I'm going to call my gp surgery tomorrow and ask for a specific Gp.
If they do the tests and rule it out I'd accept it.

As far as I'm aware my calcium levels have never been checked.

Sorry @laudemio, just reread your post.
About 3 years ago i had 3 admissions to hospital all with kidney stones.
I had no idea that could be related to that.
Thank you. It's another thing I'll bring up with a Gp.

Could also be PCOS? I hope you get some tests soon

It does sound a lot like my brothers experience, I hope you get an answer soon. Its worth every penny for the private endocrinologist appointment if you can afford it. Gp should do referral to private no problem.
Cortisol also decreases thyroid hormone production which is why I think its really important you see a specialist for this given your thyroid issues.

I've had a pelvic u/s when I had kidney stones and was told I didn't have cysts but thank you @lilfoxfur.

Thanks @laudemio you've been such a great help.