cushing's

[mslinda811]

I had dozens of cortizone shots in my feet about 10-15 years ago over a period of about 5 years.  Now I've gained about 50 pounds over the last 3 years and have the fatty hump near my neck/shoulders.  Is it possible that the cortizone from that long ago is causing cushing's now?

[Bornsickie]

Dear mslinda811, There are other disorders that present as Cushings. Have you had Cushing's? I would also look into various other lipoma's and fat disorders as well. I have Dercum's disease which began with small Lipoma's over 20 years ago. There are a host of other diseases that it could be. Some Lipoma's can be removed and you will never have another problem... others like mine, are much different and cannot be removed. Sometimes something like cortisone shots can sit dormant and show its ugly head years later in another way similar to your lump. It may be something as simple as having the lump removed. Perhaps a little more research will help. I have tons of links on my pages that may aid you if you wish to check out that route.  I wish you the best for you.  Keep us posted!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. This is caused by exposure to high levels of cortisol for too long or when the body produces too much cortisol. Your history of cortisone shots may have contributed but it is best that you have this checked by your doctor first for proper evaluation. Diagnosis is based on a the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as  24-hour urinary free cortisol test, measurement of midnight plasma cortisol or late-night salivary cortisol, and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Take care and do keep us posted.