This may be about Cushing's, not really sure.
I was diagnosed with thyroid problem after two years of firing and hiring Endos about 3 years ago. I thought then that all of my problems including weight gain (gained 30 lbs in 6 weeks) would be under control. I have not gained much more, but I have not lost eaither. I exercise 5-6 days a week and basically eat right. In April of this year I decided to have weight loss surgery. I had a lap-band put in April 13th. I initially lost 10 lbs because of liquid diet, but have not lost any more in 5 months. I can hardly eat. I would say most days since my last fill two weeks ago I consume 1000 calories a day. I should be dropping weight like crazy, but I'm not. A friend heard what I was saying and asked me some questions about my symptoms. These are some that I have:
1) hair on my face ( all over, not just upper lip)
2) stretch marks all over
3) diagnosed with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance
4) hyperpigmentation on face
5) low blood pressure
6) bruise easily
7) upper body obesity w/ round face


There are more, just wanted to give you an idea. I also don't feel that my thyroid has ever been at optimal level and never will be. When my FT3 and
FT4 look good, my TSH is so suppressed it looks like I'm hyper. I take a combo of Synthroidand & Armour to regulate my T3, but it's not enough.

I paid $9000 out of pocket for this surgery and I feel like I've wasted my money. Please, please, please lead me in the right direction. I don't have an appt. with my Endo until Jan. of next year, but I would like to call and ask him to run some tests. What should I ask for that will make him stop and take a look?
I don't know where to go from here.

I emailed a friend who had Cushings & is quite an expert now. Here is her reply.

"The first, and best test, is a 24 hour urine collection (called a 24 HR UFC). A lot of docs are also testing midnight cortisol via saliva. Those are the biggies, but the main thing is to get into a doctor who knows Cushing's. She needs to see a pituitary endo, not one who deals only in diabetes or thyroid. They don't have a clue."

That is so helpful.......THANK YOU so much!
I'm thinking of calling Mayo to see if there is a good specialist there.

Dr Ludlam at OHSU and Dr Friedman are the most well known for getting people proper diagnosis. They know how cushings presents iself and how to test for it.

The other clinic you mentioned wes very unhelpful to me and others I have spoken too.

Good luck!