Some of the worse symptoms of Cushing's Disease;

Brain fog - I forget too much, I can't concentrate, my head feels fuzzy. This has caused me to lose my confidence and avoid social situations and be unable to do simple tasks such as drive a car. I've found myself in the street having forgotten where I'm going.

Aches/pains - my body is in constant pain. It hurts to touch and my joints often feel like they are on fire.

Muscle weakness - I can't stand still for long, can only walk short distances and find it incredibly difficult to stand up from kneeling.

Aside from these main symptoms and the tiredness I feel, the physical changes such as the abdominal weight gain, red moon-shaped face, hump-pad on back, excessive growth of facial hair, thinning of skin, ease of bruising....all annoy the hell out of me.

But, this story I hope has a happy ending. Last week I met with my Endocrine consultant and Neurosurgeon and they gave me the brilliant news that my operation in June was successful. I no longer have a tumour. I'm so so happy!! I can start getting better!

It's not all plain sailing from here though. My pituitary gland is not working as it should. I developed Diabetes Insipidus from the trauma of the operation, and am also Adrenal Insufficient in that now I have the other extreme of no longer producing the cortisol I need to survive.  When there is not enough cortisol adrenal crisis can occur and may rapidly lead to death, so I must now take tablets at 6am, noon and 6pm every day, alongside Diabetes Insipidus medication. Which leads me to why I'm doing this bonkers challenge and the call for your help. 

I am trying to raise enough money to provide training for the staff at the A&E Department at QMC hospital on how to treat Adrenal Insufficient patients. Resources are scarce and this charity can help make the difference.

I witnessed myself the need for this training last week when I caught a sick bug from the kids and couldn't keep my meds down. Russ got me to A&E just in time before I hit a wall and lost all my energy.  A dozen injections later, several bags of fluid and three days later I got home. I have never felt so scared and vulnerable as I tried my best to explain to the staff what I needed and for there to have been such a long delay. 

My hope is that together we can make such a big difference. I've highlighted my story to you so you can see how much it means to me. I would love for something positive to come from this journey. I would also love to think should I become unwell again the staff at the A&E department would have a better understanding and it would be a much less scary experience.

Please support me in making this happen. Help me make a positive difference where I know absolutely that it counts. Let's raise enough money to train the hospital staff better  - And give me an incentive to drop that 100 feet down to the ground with a smile on my face!

I love you all! Let's do this!! 

If you've read this far but don't have the pennies to donate, I thank you anyway. 

I'll be doing the drop with my amazing friend Neenu Minhas, a courageous lady who has her own story.