By Pat Gurnick, CLC.
Edited by Linda M. Rio, M.A., MFT, Pituitary Network Association Education Director

The following is a compilation of email letters sent initially to the Pituitary Network Association by patient Pat Gurnick. Friends and professionals, on her behalf, have also contacted me over the course of many months. In addition, I spoke with Pat by phone and have included some of my notes from these conversations as well. Pat contacted the PNA for guidance and assistance and as you can see began to educate me. I have found that no matter how many patients I speak with I have an opportunity to learn more about each person’s own unique physical and emotional feelings and their particular path. Each time I learn I, in turn, hope to pass along something to someone else who hopefully will then benefit.

Pat identifies herself as a counselor residing in Colorado. Pat has graciously granted me permission to bring her story to the forefront in order to provide some help to others who might learn from her experiences. Currently her physical and mental energy level is too low to write. You can see that she has touched the lives of many and has developed quite a team of loving advocates who now includes friends and family, her psychologist, and a 'complimentary medicine team' of professionals. One family member even came to the recent conference October 2, 2010 in Marina del Rey to acquire information to bring back to Pat who was unable to attend.

I have shortened Pat’s story for the space and ease of reading purposes. For publication purposes I have also removed references to specific individuals. However, the essence of Pat’s story remains in-tact.


June 2010
Dear Linda,
It is so nice to connect up with you. I think I met Sharmyn McGraw 1x about 8 years ago, but I moved from Los Angeles to Colorado in 2004 and have not been in contact with any Pituitary programs until recently. I am glad Robert Knutzen forwarded my email to you.

I am realizing many Cushing’s patients do commit suicide, due to the cyclic nature of recovery. Especially since it mimics 'Bipolar' symptoms, and the internal cycling can be emotionally overwhelming. I call it 'cyclic adrenal insufficiency', which I just found out I suffer from, gradual onset since 12/03 brain surgery - Pituitary Adenoma Cushing’s disease. I was having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 4 weeks ago, when I had an adrenal health crisis. I recognized the adrenal failure symptoms, notified my Endo and GP who didn't take action. My therapist didn't understand either. Even though I gave all of them the medical literature and asked them to consult with my Endocrinologist who is a Cushing’s expert in Los Angeles, but they did not. When I reached out for help locally my symptoms were not identified because the doctors and therapists and other health care providers are uneducated in reference to these rare disorders...

So, four weeks ago I was 'going down' (adrenal failure) and saved myself! I took my emergency medication when I was told by local MD's not to take it at all - scary. Then, other practitioners (who are friends) took care of me on and off for a few days, instead of my being in the hospital. It was a huge scare for me, and I realized how tenuous this condition can be, and I had not been correctly guided by the Pituitary Dept of the hospital (*no aftercare provided), or any post surgery assistance even when I begged for help along the way. I received no physical therapy, post-education, or therapy to help me adjust. I even contacted the mental health department because I felt suicidal and they said since my depression was caused by a medical condition, they could not help me. No joke!

I am horrified by the treatment I have experienced. Now, I am being my own advocate, and I am figuring out how I can help others and myself. You contacting me at this time was amazing, Linda. If I can be of any help to you, please know I am available. I am glad you are out to help others as well.

Thank you for reading my story.