Being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease in 2020 changed my life and career path. Only a year after graduating from college, I got sick and had to quit my job. I could barely get out of bed, let alone work or study. It was impossible to overcome my symptoms.
I studied acting in college and got involved in some great projects. However, the brain fog that comes with Cushing’s disease has made it difficult to remember lines. I was exhausted from filming the self-tape and worried about how I would function on set. What if I have to shoot during a flare-up? What if I need a mobility aid?
So, in my early twenties, I lost my job and ended up living in my parents’ basement. I often locked myself in the bathroom and wondered who I was. I felt like I was stuck on a moving train even though I hadn’t bought a ticket. I grieved for the life I thought I would lead.
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Sometimes it’s best to change jobs
I was unemployed for a long time until I found the perfect balance in my career. I currently work as a writer for Bionews, the parent company of this website. It gives me great joy to help people with Cushing’s disease and to elevate the voices of people with chronic and rare diseases. Community is very important to me and I’m very proud to work here.
I am also writing a novel and plan to continue pursuing this passion until the book is published. In many ways, I am grateful for my illness. Without that, I don’t know if I would have embraced writing so enthusiastically. Writing my first novel brought me peace and immense healing. It also doesn’t feel like work. When I’m writing a column, article, or book, it feels like something I’m meant to do, and it’s a lot of fun.
People always told me that if you don’t like what you’re doing, you should find another job. I discovered that I loved writing. In fact, it’s one of the greatest loves of my life.
It hurts when plans are interrupted. When I got sick, I was devastated because I felt like I was deviating from who I was meant to be: an actor. But at the end of the day, I feel more fulfilled now than ever before. I love my books and will continue to love anything I write. I’m proud of my work at Bionews and the person I’ve become.
Today, I am married, live in a nice apartment, and feel free to make my own choices. Of course, wanting to publish a book brings new challenges, but these challenges are much more manageable than my health.
If you’re feeling the way I did all those years ago when I was locked in the bathroom and thought the world was ending, know that change isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can lead you to true happiness. Now, let’s get on that train. I don’t know where I’ll end up.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about this disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues related to Cushing’s disease.
