IT'S PUBLISHED! HERE'S THE LINK!

[Ripvanann]

Here's the article! It's featured as the first one on the home page! I gave them before, and now pics and they only used the one fat "after" pic where I show how bad it got. Oh well! http://www.youandmemagazine.com/articles/have-faith-cushings-syndrome

[Joe S.]

Good for you!

[Ripvanann]

Aww thanks Joe! Feels so good to have my useless butt accomplish something. I noticed that the editor screwed a few things up there. I emailed them, but no one else has noticed (or admits to noticing) but me. Btw, I completely agree with your post on the other thread/board about the WW2/Nazi thing... Guess I can say that on my thread. :-)

[Joe S.]

Thanks Ann. I spend most of my days in my recliner thinking, sleeping and watching TV. I spend a little time in between on the computer. Take care of yourself and have some one look at the back of your neck (C7, T1). Some gentle massage and "still point release" may help you feel better.

[Ripvanann]

Well, when you're on the computer, you're helping a lot of people, with some great advice... as well as making people like me feel good about themselves. =)  Serving our country the way you did, was enough of an accomplishment to get  kudos and thanks for a lifetime. Don't lose sight of that, please.

You are kind to notice the hump pain from a photo. I had an MRI last year. I have a lot of deterioration from osteoporosis and some slightly bulging discs. Nothing that would show the pain it gives me. I ice it a lot, but it hurts to the touch, so message wigs me out to think about. Probably would work if I heated it up first maybe?

Thanks again Joe.

[Joe S.]

If it hurts to touch, you may want to try Reiki first and then massage. The Reiki will help with the pain and inflammation. The right massage will move toxins out of the muscles.

[Velcro]

Oh Andrea, that is wonderful!  Informative and a great read.  You have a wonderful way with words and injecting enough humor to keep the reader interested.  Congratulations!

[sassygal]

Andrea,

Thank you for the well written account of your journey to your diagnosis of Cushings Syndrome.
We are all on a sort of journey ourselves here on this board and it helps to know we are not alone on travelling the long, bumpy and winding road.

I am glad you persevered and found answers, but sorry it took so long with doctors who just wouldn't listen.

Your story reminds us not to give in and give up, but to find that faith in HOPE that we all so desperately need! I will take a deep breath in and work to find my faith again. Blessings to you.

Congratulations on the publication of your essay!

Sassygal

[slccom]

Andrea, you sure are persistent. What a bunch of idiots you encountered! Thanks for sharing your story.

Sharon

[eija]

Wow, what a story...

AND you obviously have talent. Keep writing now that you've started!

[SjoGirl]

Oh Andrea after reading your article I wonder how I could ever complain about how I feel. God bless you and keep you strong and beautiful as you already are!

[Ripvanann]

Joe, I will try this. You rock, thank you!

Thank you everyone for reading it. I know I'm long winded! I got my check in the mail today! Now THAT felt good! I haven't made money for this house in too long to remember. I'm always sucking the life out of our finances.

SjoGirl, you don't ever complain, you vent and you have PLENTY to vent about. I think we'd all be ready for a suicide pact if we began comparing all we've been through. Thank you though, you're sweet, as are the rest of yinz (yinz is a terrible, illiterate Pittsburghese way of saying "you all" =) ).

[LucyD]

Andrea, THANK YOU for writing your article and congratulations on having it published. It touched me deeply - what you have been through, are still going through, your faith, your way of thinking, your humor, your grace under horrible circumstances, your persistence and your knowing all along you were right and the doctors not listening to you. I looked at your photo and I, too, think you still look beautiful in it. I so hope the innate Intelligence in your cells and your body will, even if slowly, return you to pre-prednisone health. Thank you for the hope and strength your story gives to all who read it.
Sending love and prayers of healing.

[Ripvanann]

Lucy, thank you so much! You are very kind... too kind. I'm so glad the article touched you. It's good to know that there's been some sort of "accomplishment" on my part, but touching people... well, that's what it's really all about.

I covet your prayers. You have mine as well.

Grace and peace,
~Andrea

[quietdynamics]

Andrea,
Thank you for linking to your wonderful article. I learned so very much.
This has pushed me to get that Endo appt. I already knew alot had been missed, overlooked...not saying I have Cushings, but thyroid antibodies, and changes (photos similar to yours).

Just did get the name of an Endo who specializes in thyroid..so do not.

Thank you again.