A gymnast must be in top form to participate in competitions.
As reported by the Amery Free Press, when Elli Meagher began to have problems with muscle weakness, weight gain, and kidney stones, she was eager to find what was wrong so she could get it corrected and compete again.
A tumor was found on her pituitary gland, and she was diagnosed with Cushing Disease.
How Cushing Disease Affects Daily Life
Cushing syndrome causes a number of physical changes that can impact normal activities. The individual may experience:
- Weight gain
- Deposits of fatty tissue around the face, giving it a rounded look
- Thinning skin
- Easy bruising
- Cuts may be slow to heal
- Acne
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst and urination, due to glucose intolerance
- Bone loss
- Elevated blood pressure
Finding the Source of the Problem
Unfortunately, there is no one test that can diagnose the condition. Physicians generally use blood, urine, and saliva tests to rule out other problems. Additional tests must be done, including MRI and CT scans to detect abnormalities in the adrenal glands. Once the source of the symptoms is found, appropriate treatment measures can be taken.
Elli had to travel to many miles for treatment and monitoring before she began to see improvement. However, Cushing disease is something she will have forever.
Returning to Normal Life
Getting back to feeling normal can take considerable time when you have Cushing syndrome.
The fatigue, muscle weakness, and blood glucose problems can take months to overcome. Luckily, the right treatment can allow individuals to gradually resume normal activities and enjoy life again.
Elli’s first surgery did not provide that improvement. So, she had to undergo a second and then a third surgery to remove the tumor on her pituitary gland. Afterwards, it would take Elli a full six months to regain sufficient strength so she could get back to the gym.
Over the next five years, Elli had to adjust her medications numerous times and take daily injections of growth hormone, but her tenacity paid off when not only was she able to get back to gymnastics, but she received her highest scores ever! Today, she coaches young gymnasts to help them achieve their goals at Premier Academy and the Amery Community Education program.
Living with a serious disease like Cushing disease is difficult for any teenager, but the spirit of achievement and excellence can be stronger than the condition, especially for people with a big heart and big determination like Miss Meagher.
