Alyssa is a busy wife and mother who finally found the time and space in her life to train as a triathlete, until her body started to rebel. She and her doctors were mystified by her fatigue, unusual aches, and worst of all, a significant weight gain. Forced to become a medical sleuth, she was eventually diagnosed with Cushing's disease, a rare hormonal disorder. This episode features in-depth commentary from renowned expert Maria Fleseriu, MD, Professor of Medicine and Neurosurgery, and Director of the Pituitary Center at Oregon Health & Science University. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:56 Opening 1:50 Symptom Onset 2:26 What is Cushing's Disease? 3:35 Searching for Answers 4:15 Challenges Getting Diagnosed 5:05 Cortisol Testing & MRI 5:28 Tumor Found on Pituitary 6:05 First Surgery & Waiting for Results 6:41 Recurrence & Second Surgery 7:38 Living With Cushing's Long-Term 9:05 A Miracle Pregnancy 9:40 Building a Holistic Care Team 10:20 Starting Medical Therapy 10:41 Regaining Energy & Quality of Life 11:13 Support, Resilience, & Advocacy 12:15 Training Again & Looking Ahead Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and look for Medical Stories on your Public Television station. Check your local PBS listings today! Or visit https://medicalstories.tv/ to learn more about this very popular documentary series. Follow us on Facebook: / medicalstories.pubtv.pbs Check us out on Instagram: / medicalstories_pubtv_pbs Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: / @medicalstories Look for us on TikTok: / medicalstories.tv #MedicalStories #MedStoriesTV #cushingsdisease #triathletes