"The first symptoms I can recall began over ten years ago. I struggled to lose weight, despite my best efforts, and noticed that I was gaining it predominantly around my lower abdomen.
In response, I committed to stricter dieting and exercise routines, but nothing seemed to work. After five years of this battle, my periods stopped. Soon after, I developed adult acne and facial hair growth, and by the time I was diagnosed, I had lost nearly half of the hair on my head.
A range of challenging symptoms
Looking back, I now recognise that other symptoms were also present—ones I had no idea were connected to Cushing’s. I frequently injured myself, not just during workouts but also through everyday activities like walking or unloading the washing machine. My joints and muscles were constantly in pain, and I would avoid movements like pulling the bin liner out of the bin or tying my shoelaces due to the pain it caused.
My blood sugar was impossible to regulate, and by the time I was diagnosed, I was pre-diabetic. I also developed what I initially thought was psoriatic arthritis, as my skin had dry, hardened, rash-like patches. On top of all this, I suffered from anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion. My blood pressure was consistently high, and I struggled to regulate my body’s stress responses—I always felt "on" and had difficulty sleeping.
Three years before my diagnosis, I had to take a year off work because everything became too overwhelming. At the same time, my husband and I were trying to conceive, and having no menstrual cycle with no clear explanation was incredibly distressing.
Mental health struggles
As my anxiety worsened, so did my self-esteem. The drastic changes in my appearance led me to isolate myself from anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary. I would even cross the street to avoid people I knew because I couldn’t bear the painful experience of not being recognised.
Coping with relentless fatigue drained me of the desire to do the things that once brought me joy, and my world became very small. I struggled deeply with my sense of identity, trying to separate my self-worth from my appearance.
At one point, I truly believed that this was my new normal—that I would never be able to work again, that I would live in constant pain requiring prescription painkillers, and that my husband would be burdened with caring for me for the rest of our lives. The guilt of not being the person he married weighed heavily on me, though his unwavering support—and that of my loved ones—helped me through.
A Cushing's diagnosis changed everything
The journey to diagnosis was long and frustrating, something I know many others with Cushing’s can relate to. The condition presents with a slow onset of seemingly unrelated symptoms, often mimicking other conditions. I was first diagnosed with PCOS, and when I returned to my GP with persistent issues, I was dismissed. I share this not out of judgement but simply as a reflection of my experience - one that I know is all too common.
As a result, I became extremely cautious when speaking to medical professionals. I felt invalidated, dismissed, and as though I constantly had to fight to be heard. That changed when I was referred to Mr Hani Marcus. I walked into that first appointment prepared for another battle, but instead, he described how Cushing’s was making me feel—more clearly and accurately than I could have done myself. He explained what was happening inside my body and then laid out my options, asking for my input on the best course of action. For the first time in ten years, I felt truly heard.
Confidence in my consultant
A huge weight was lifted. Mr Marcus had a quiet confidence that reassured me this was coming to an end. He outlined exactly what to expect, not just medically, but emotionally and physically as well. Every single thing he told me was spot on. His team and hospital staff were equally professional, offering the same level of reassurance and care.
After highly successful surgery, I was closely monitored by the endocrine team, who helped manage my medication and the post-op Cushing’s symptoms. Now, a year later, I am finally losing weight—without even trying. In fact, just three months after surgery, I was losing two kilogrammes a day until something incredible happened: I became pregnant, something I never thought possible for us.
A second chance at life
Today, I am 25 weeks pregnant, pain-free, and regaining control of my life. My hair has grown back, my skin has cleared, my blood sugar levels are healthy without medication, and my thyroid function is ideal. After giving birth, my next goal is to gradually come off hydrocortisone.
Looking back, I can genuinely say that I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life."
