Tash's Cushing's Repair Surgery

Most of you know how my brain tumor caused me to have a very rare disorder called Cushing's Disease. Many of you were on the journey with me through the physical and emotional stuggles it caused. The sacrifes me and my family made. How I made surviving a full-time job while I was alone thousands of miles from my friends and family in order to recieve the best medical care.

Thankfully I am at the end of my Cushing's journey, but I still need medical care to help me gain an active, healthy life again. I'm one year post-up from having my pituitary tumor removed, I'm in remission and the terrible symptoms I used to live with are gone, but I am having complications due to the damage Cushing's caused on my body. Primarily in my mid-section. 

I did not gain weight anywhere other than my face and stomach. Think about that, 120 lbs in one area. Therefore, I don't have the typical excess skin that normal people get after weight loss. I have muscles that need to be rearranged and I have a high risk of infection. This may sound risky, but no riskier than brain surgery. Plus, I'd rather take the risk than be prone to nasty skin sores and limited in terms of physical activity for life. I didn't work so hard to stay alive to not be able to live life to the fullest. 

I wake up every day thankful to be alive. I am kind and I have a positive outlook. I don't take this life for granted. I have lost 85 lbs in 1 year, I have energy, I look in the mirror and from the neck up I am in love with myself. Unfortunately,  even my gratitude to be alive can't make me look at my body with love. It's a constant reminder of my disease and what I lost, but I do not want to be defined by disease. I want to present my body to myself and the world with confidence.

I'm quite resourceful. I would not ask for help if I could have this covered. I need much more than a panniculectomy which would be covered by OHIP. I need 3 procedures to reconstruct the area that has been stretched and damaged. Believe me I would do anything to have healthcare cover this. It seems unfair, since I did not do this to my self. But, there's nothing I can do. So, I will scrimp and save and swallow my pride and ask for help. 

Believe me I am not asking for help to be vain. Yes, I'm human I want to be attractive, but I care more about my health than my vanity. I appreciate the effort made by everyone who has tried to help in anyway. May it be through money or kind words and definately hugs. I love you all.

For those who want to hear more of how Cushing's has changed my life please continue reading. Plus, here are some links to more information. 

Want to know about Cushing's Disease? Check-out:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000348.htm

Want to know about Abdominoplasty? Check-out:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/body-contouring/abdominoplasty-tummy-tuck-panniculectomy

My Cushie Life:

My story can be construed as tragic. I see it in the eyes of those who listen to me tell them that just one year ago I had a brain tumor removed, but frankly, I refuse to be a tragedy! My strength and determination to conquer Cushing's Disease has allowed me a second lease on life and I'm taking my second chance to continue to fight to be my healthiest self. 

For years I was sick. No one believed me and I went undiagnosed for at least 6 years. Even before my weight gain I was constantly sick with infections, viruses, vertigo, you name. I am infertile and even at my smallest weight I had a pot belly. I used to say that god was playing a cruel joke on me by giving me a pregnant belly without the chance of ever being pregnant. It was/has been a constant reminder of what I can’t have. People have and still do ask when I am “due”. It’s embarrassing for me, but mortifying for them. I long to never be asked that question again.

Eventually Cushing's became full-blown and the worst was yet to follow; I got a "moon" face, severe Diabetes, hypertension, boils and abscesses, infections, extreme fatigue and worst of all mental illness. The extent of my depression caused me to never look in the mirror and contemplate suicide if my condition was to be a lifelong affliction. 

Before my illness I lived a full life with wonderful careers, travel and love. My illness took my job, my ability to explore the world, my spouse left me, I lost my confidence and my self-esteem was non-existent. I ran from those who loved me in fear of lashing out and losing every relationship I cherished. I yearned for the days I could strut on a beach in a bikini and laugh with those I love.

My family endured so much pain from losing the daughter and sister they knew. We have all grieved the loss of that girl. We have all braved the thought of losing me altogether. But with the help of my GP,  Endocrinologist(s), Neurosurgeon and ENT (my angels) I had my  pituitary tumor removed in March 2014 and I have been given a second chance.

I need a surgery that is considered by the government to be "cosmetic". However, Cushing's Disease caused me to gain 120 in 2 years, stretching my skin in my mid section to a point that I can not change without surgery. It's not cosmetic, it's part of my reovery. This extra skin makes excercise impossible. It puts me at risk of infection making me feel worse knowing I can't do things I love like hiking, swimming and generally keeping better health because it can make me sick.

 I believe that the medical industry can perform one last miracle to give me a healthier body. I believe your generosity can help me do this. I sacrificed everything to have the best doctors get me this far and now I truly believe this doctor will give this tragic story a happy ending.

Yours Truly,
Natasha Osmond