Cushing's is a beast. I often say, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
But, there are some things I would never trade, not even for perfect health.
1. My Cushie Community - I belong to a lot of Facebook groups, some that are just for people who have had BLAs, some for anyone with Cushing's. And I also have a few Cushing's friends that I see in person occasionally. I don't know what I would do without them, healthy or not.
2. The knowledge - before Cushing's made me very sick, I wanted to be a physician. Always had, even when I was seven years old. I have learned so much more about the human body, what it is really like to be a patient, and what it takes to be a good doctor, than I ever would have in a classroom. I have joked, I am basically an endocrinologist, now I have to go backwards and learn the basics.
3. I feel like I have gained more compassion for others having gone through Cushing's. I have learned what it's like to be bullied, teased, even ignored because of my physical appearance. I will hopefully never judge anyone from their outward appearance.
4. I have spoken a few times to physician assistant and medical students. I was able to teach them a little more about what it's like to be a patient with anything but a straightforward disease. I hope that they all took something away from it, and will be better clinicians because of it.
5. Most importantly, I hope I have helped others going through similar situations, with Cushing's, or with another disease. Illness sucks. You need a good support system, and sometimes, you don't find that with your family and friends. You find support in people that have been through it. I hope I have been that for someone.
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