It's 4 am and Cushing's Symptoms Are Back

It is 4 am EST and I am wide awake and sick of watching TV. I even went for a walk and ran errands today so I should be able to sleep. Since stopping steroids the Cushing's symptoms have come back so there must be something to what the new doc said when she mentioned that Cortef (the drug form of steroid I was on) was suppressing my ACTH production and therefore my cortisol production.

Since coming off the Cortef almost two weeks ago my Cushing's symptoms are back with a vengeance. Not only has the insomnia come back but the diabetes has gone a bit more crazy, the blood pressure is out of control, heart palpitations are back, increase in strength and frequency of headaches, profuse sweating, hair falling out, increased bone pain, hot flashes and night sweats, unexplained mood swings, poor concentration and memory, and rashes, including heat and bruising has also increased dramatically.

Whoever my Dad paid to read this is probably having a field day trying to figure out if I am insane or have a drug problem. I don't believe I have either since most of my meds are for something other than pain - blood pressure, diabetes, bone health since I have osteoporosis and rapid bone loss.

My report on my bones came back and it sounded from the message that it wasn't good and more tests need to be done but of course I can not reach the doctor to find out what is happening to them exactly. But I already had heard that from several docs so it does not really bother me.

Anyway, I stocked the refrigerator with the usual veggies, fruits and low-fat proteins and still don't find anything I like to eat other than my cream of wheat and oatmeal. I've always eaten healthy and taken care of my body so this isn't a change I just am trying to stay positive and not have to stop a bad chocolate habit after this is over. And no matter how much pain I am in or how tired I try to get in at least one daily walk and sometimes two; even if it is just around the block. I'm not allowed much since the bone thing has them worried I will break one if do anything more strenuous. But hey, at least I try.

Since sleep is rare, the doc did suggest I get it when I can and so I do. Usually only a nap here and there that lasts about 15 - 45 minutes. I'm getting about four hours maximum a day now between the naps and trying to sleep at night. I wish someone would give me some writing or something to do at this hour since I am wide awake and need the cash...at least I could make good use of this time. But for now I guess writing here and in my journal will have to do since I am STILL not allowed to work. I am tellng you this sucks because I am running out of hobbies to do at home and only have so much energy to do my walks and household errands.

I am trying to read several books but so far only one is written simply enough for me to read - no hard plots to follow and not to many chracters. I am reading A Million Little Pieces By James Frey and his stay at drug rehab - let me tell you that man needed it more than anyone I know. But it is a good read and I can not wait to get to the end.

Well, I am off to try to get some more sleep, or at least try...more later.

PS - I had very few problems coming off the steroids since I was already running high, I know some people were worried it would endanger my health but I am doing well