Will Cushing’s come back if I get pregnant again?

When I was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome and it was determined that I developed it during the third trimester of my pregnancy, I pretty much decided right then and there that my dreams of having more children were out of the question. It took 4 1/2 years and three doctors before I was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome and once I had surgery in Jan. ‘08 to remove the 3cm tumor and my right adrenal gland, it’s been a long, hard road to recovery.

Just as the memories of the pain from labor and delivery fade over time, my feelings of not wanting to get pregnant again and risking Cushing’s have started to lessen and I’ve actually allowed myself to think openly about having another baby. Apart of me is willing to take that leap of faith and risk developing Cushing’s again because the outcome of a baby far exceeds what may lay ahead. But the rational, must control everything side of me says why push my luck? I have an amazing son (he’s 6 1/2) who’s healthy and the light of my life. Plus I’m just over 2 years into recovery and finally feel really good and have been able to reclaim my life in a deep and meaningful way.

So for now, I’m committed to not being committed to a decision. I’m doing what I do best - research, research, research. I’ve asked every doctor I’ve worked with since being diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome if I will get Cushing’s again if I get pregnant for a second time. Their answers have been mixed. Some have assured me that the chances of me Cushing’s developing during a second pregnancy are slim to none, while others have said they can’t give me a definitive answer because doctors haven’t been able to determine the root cause of what causes some women to develop Cushing’s during pregnancy. Neither answer is very reassuring.

So I’ve decided to take to the Internet in search of case studies, medical journals and articles that will give me insights and information about developing Cushing’s again with a second pregnancy. Unfortunately there’s limited information online, mostly due to the fact that Cushing’s developing during pregnancy is extremely rare. In fact one study in 2004 cited that fewer than 150 cases in the world literature have been reported. So far I’ve only found one, two, three case studies online about women who developed Cushing’s during a first pregnancy, were successfully treated and cured, then became pregnant again and developed Cushing’s with the second pregnancy. I can hardly make an informed decision based on two case studies, so my search for information continues.

If you know of or have read any information about developing Cushing’s again with a second pregnancy, please use the comment section and share your information with me.

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