Cushing syndrome may affect anyone at any age. It develops when the body either produces too much of a certain hormone called cortisol or the patient might be receiving too much cortisol through corticosteroid hormone therapy. When a person receives too much cortisol, it’s diagnosed as hypercortisolism. This can lead to an interference in the production of other hormones from the other glands, not just the adrenal glands. If left untreated, Cushing syndrome may lead to Cushing’s disease. Many patients develop “moon face” or a “hump back”, along with many other symptoms, if this disease is left untreated for too long. Cushing syndrome was named after Harvey Cushing in 1912. “Harvey Cushing first described the symptom complex of obesity, diabetes, hirsutism, and adrenal hyperplasia. He gave a vivid description of his first patient who was 23 years old and presented with the “most extraordinary appearance”” (“Osler’s phenomenon”: misdiagnosing Cushing’s syndrome; Postgraduate Medical Journal; October 2003). Although, Sir William Osier was the first to describe the symptoms of Cushing’s, but diagnosed his patient with myxoedema by mistake. Unfortunately many people were misdiagnosed, therefore, leading to mortality. In 1933, Cushing performed his first neurosurgery on his patient, which did not gain acceptance until much later. “Adrenal surgery was for many years the treatment of hypercorticism but prior to the availability of glucocorticosteroids substitution an extremely perilous undertaking” (Cushing’s syndrome: Historical Aspects, Lindholm J., October 2000). Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s include: weight gain and fatty deposits; stretch marks on the thighs, abdomen, breasts, and arms; thin, fragile skin that bruises easily; sl... ... middle of paper ... ...help many patients find others to talk to and learn how to live with this syndrome. “They bring you together with other people who are coping with the same kinds of challenges, along with their families and friends, and offer a setting in which you can share common problems” (Cushing Syndrome, Mayo Clinic staff, mayoclinic.com, March 2013). Cushing’s syndrome is, in my opinion, a very fascinating disease. The body, which usually tries to heal itself, can actually attack itself. It’s comforting to know medication and surgery, along with lifestyle changes, may right the body again. Works Cited • Lindholm J., (2000). Cushing’s syndrome: Historical Aspects. www.lirn.net • Mayo Clinic Staff, (2013). Cushing Syndrome. Mayoclinic.com • P De; Evans, LM; Scanlon, MF; Davies, JS; (2003). Osler’s Phenomenon: Misdiagnosing Cushing’s syndrome. Postgraduate Medical Journal
...herapeutic ways to interact with a client. Overall, I believe that I am capable and eager to work with patients like Gerald, but I also realize that I have to keep educating myself, keep up with the ever-evolving management of illness and treatments.
Yes, there are men whose symptoms do not progress. But why wait until you feel a worsening of your symptoms? Wouldn’t it be better to take a more proactive approach toward your condition by taking Prostara, a supplement that promotes overall prostate health?
There is also counseling, with peer support, and support groups this can be very helpful. There are 3 support groups I found, National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, The MAGIC foundation, and the CARES foundation. All of them are focused to improve the lives of individuals with this disease.
Philip Mortimer BMJ: British Medical Journal , Vol. 321, No. 7269 (Nov. 4, 2000) , p. 1123
progress that the patient is making. That open communication and collaboration effort is a must.
The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck and produces two main hormones. The hormones are called thuroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Together these hormones regulate the body’s metabolism by increasing energy use in cells, regulate growth and development, help to maintain body temperature and aid in oxygen consumption. These two hormones are regulated by hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus senses changes in body’s metabolic rate and releases a hormone known as thyropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This hormone then flows through connecting vessels to the pituitary gland which signals it to release another hormone. This hormone is known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then makes its way to the bloodstream until it reaches the thyroid where it is then signaled to activate T3 and T4 production [1]. This mechanism is controlled by a negative feedback loop meaning that when there is a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones in the blood stream, this will signal back to stop production of thyroid stimulating hormones. Complications occur when the thyroid hormones keep increasing even though there is already a sufficient amount of T3 and T4 in the blood stream. This process of over expression of thryroid hormones is known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a general term that includes any disease that has a consequence of an overabundance of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a general term but there are many variant diseases that are in the hyperthyroidism category. These diseases include diffuse toxic goiter, Basedow’s disease, thyrotoxicosis, Parry’s and Graves’ disease.
Upon assessment the patient had a total output of 320 mL. The patient had generalized edema and seemed to have gained weight. The patient showed signs of restlessness and change in mental status.
The walking dead does in fact exist. However, it is not the flesh eating zombie that many think about when hearing the term ‘walking dead.’ Instead, it is a rare and serious mental disorder also known as Cotard’s Syndrome. “In 1880, Jules Cotard (1840-1889) described the syndrome that bears his name as a constellation of false nihilistic beliefs, often in the form of self-negation.” (Ramirez-Bermudez, Aguilar-Venegas, Crail-Melendez, Espinola-Nadurille, Nente & Mendez, 2010) Throughout time there has been many controversies regarding what causes this disease. Cotard’s Syndrome was finally divided into three groups in 1995 as psychotic depression, Cotard’s Syndrome Type I, and Cotard’s Syndrome Type II.
Including family members in the care of the patient helps them cope better with the patient’s illness and helps them plan ongoing care when the patient goes home. Gaining both the trust of the patient and family can help the health care team get any details that may have been missed on admission, such as medications the patient takes, or special diet, or spiritual needs. Also, the family may provide pertinent information that the patient may not have divulged to the nurse. Encouraging the patient and family to voice their concerns will help implement a safe plan of action.
Walton, Sir John. Brain’s Diseases of the Nervous System. 9th ed. Oxford University Press. Oxford: 1985.
... the context of chronic illness: a family health promoting process. Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronis Illness 3, (3), 283-92.
Any learning that occurs should focus on treatments, tests, and minimizing pain and discomfort as they improve they can shift their focus of learning (Kitchie, 2014, p.127). I will continue to provide a meeting location that is both comfortable and private. In the emotional aspect of M.M. and her family I will try to identify moments when members feel emotionally supported as it sets the stage for a teachable moment (Miller & Nigolian, 2011, p.56). I will also discuss with each member their previous coping strategies that used that have been successful and to encourage them to find a way to build on and strengthen these qualities. Using teaching methods that are interactive and allow patients equal contributions and participation can help promote health compliance (Habel, 2005,
the patient's life and feelings to get an understanding of what the patient goes through on
On a micro-level, I want to be apart of a community that has similar goals as me and wants to help those who many need guidance in their lifestyle choices. That is why I am apart of many difference groups for Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal balance disorder. I wanted to be apart of these groups because I have PCOS and it is disorder that can be very straining on your health, so I wanted help knowing how to manage it as well as offer advice to those who many want to know more about the disorder.
Allot of patients find comfort in talking to other patients about their illness. This allows