Wellness

[conlt]

Does anyone have Cushings Disease? If so, did you have surgery to remove a Pituitary Adenoma and how did the surgery go? What has been your overall outcome? I am being worked-up to rule Cushings out and am wondering. The thought of the surgery scares me but I don't think there is really a choice. I have 2 Pituitary Adenomas.

[Rileyx]

Bless you. I had not heard of this disease until my elderly chihuahua was diagnosed with it recently. I will be checking this thread to keep updated about your condition. Good luck to you.

[conlt]

Yes, Kayce Cushings is common in Animals as I understand it. I have the symptoms and the look and the 2 pituitary adenomas that are causing my pituitary to produce prolactin. I think most people do ok once they have surgery and it takes about a year for your body to adjust. Thank you for the well wishes and I will keep you posted. How is your dog doing?

[Rileyx]

My dog seems to be doing well at the moment. The vet said she was too old (14 years old) to go through the radiation it would take to reduce the tumor or cyst (not sure what it is called). She didn't recommend any medication or diet. She seemed to think she will live out her life ok. She has had many stomach problems and throwing up and pacing that seems to be better now. She is loosing a lot of hair. I will check back to see when you post some updates. I'm wishing the best for you.

[lilypadfrog]

My daughter has Cushings and has a half centimeter tumor. She checked out medications but those haven't been out long enough to know the long term side effects. Insurance is pushing surgery but since they would have to remove the pituitary, she would also be on long term medications. One interesting fact.... she has been treated for rheumatoid arthritis but once she was diagnosed with Cushings, she was taken off the RA meds. She actually feels better now, but still has probable surgery in her future.

[SaggingGal]

A close relative has lived with it for over 30 years. She had an adrenalectomy, a dangerous and rarely performed surgery. Since then there are less radical procedures. She has been on medications ever since and has done quite well. She has to be absolutely certain her medication is fresh and that the dosage is correct which involves a lot of interaction with her pharmacists. Her only drawback was ten years ago, the tumor in her pituitary had a growth spurt, which showed up as off-the-chart levels in her blood. The tumor was successfully removed by a specialist at a leading hospital. She has been doing well since keeping it monitored by a specialist.

[conlt]

My daughter has Cushings and has a half centimeter tumor. She checked out medications but those haven't been out long enough to know the long term side effects. Insurance is pushing surgery but since they would have to remove the pituitary, she would also be on long term medications. One interesting fact.... she has been treated for rheumatoid arthritis but once she was diagnosed with Cushings, she was taken off the RA meds. She actually feels better now, but still has probable surgery in her future.

It is interesting what you say about the RA because actually Cushings affects the bones and can make you get Osteoarthritis, joint pain etc. Now that they suspect Cushings I think back to when I started getting Herniated Disc's (I have 4 that I know of that bulge and sometimes herniate). All I read is that the surgery is the only option (except the new medication that there is not a lot of data on). They remove those Pituitary Adenoma's and the success rate actual cure rate of the Cushing's is quite high. I had the MRI of the Brain on Tuesday and I have 2 Pituitary Adenoma's small Adenoma's. I read that at the University of Florida Pituitary Clinic that they do a minimally invasive procedure. I will have to see if they take my insurance, they probably do and are the closest place for me to go to even consider having this procedure done. I go back to the doctor on the 26th where she will evaluate my tests that I am taking now for Cushings. It could be that the Adenoma's are just secreting Prolactin and in that case the treatment is medication. I will let everyone know.

[RinaRina]

My dog has cushings. Two of my cats had cushings. What are your symptoms?

[conlt]

Rina, I went to my GYN with Mastitis and she found I was Lactating (I am 56) that lead her to do a Prolactin Level (hormone that stimulates lactation) and mine is as high as a pregnant woman. Then I went to an Endocrinologist and she is the one working me up for Cushing's. I did gain weight around my abdomen, have a fat full face, back and joint issues, and my period went away when I was 38. I was put on the pill for that. If I do have cushings it was missed over and over again by my doctors. Anyway, we will see.

[Shelbelle]

My friend had a benign tumor removed from her pituitary gland years ago, all is well. She was only in hosp for 2 days, it did cause early osteoporosis though.