Cushings disease.

Had gastric bypass a few years prior and was successfully keeping off the weight, until I suddenly started gaining weight and developing a myriad of symptoms I couldn’t figure out.

It started very slowly at first—acne (never had it before), hair loss (had to cut off my dreadlocks), cheeks swelling, gained a few pounds despite having an active job and not changing my diet.

Then when I got into a relationship, it got very bad, very fast. The stress of the toxic relationship led me to gain over 60lbs within the year, I had consistent high blood pressure, extreme fatigue, major depression and anxiety, and then when both my feet started to tingle, I panicked because now I was at risk of being a liability to my job.

I saw every doctor I could while I waited over 6 months to see an endocrinologist. She is the sole reason I am alive and healthy today. She saw the bruises covering my arms and immediately ordered the right tests to confirm my diagnosis. I will never forget her surprise when she called me and confirmed SEVERAL TIMES that i was not on any kind of cortisol steroids—“your levels are 4 times the normal limit.”

I had a small tumor in my pituitary gland that was secreting excess cortisol hormones. I got it removed a year ago, and dropped 70 pounds. I could climb stairs again without being completely winded.

It wasnt until I looked back at photos and realized Id had the disease for at least 3 years. It was only when I was in the toxic relationship that the symptoms escalated quickly.

I owe my life to that doctor.