Post Pituitary Surgery-How did you feel?

[syfy]

I am new to this, but here it goes...I am 32 years old and  I just had a pituitary tumor removed 3 weeks ago. I have been trying to find out how people felt after the surgery. I of course have headaches, and dizziness. But it actually feels like my head is clearer...before my surgery I couldnt seem to form a thought, I was so weak. I still have weakness but not as bad. My eyes used to hurt, and very hard to focus. I didnt have the best experience after the surgery, they didnt even give me discharge instructions. During my follow up with the O.R. nurse she finally told me that I cant sniff, blow my nose, try not to sneeze and dont hold my head down. She said for at least 2 to 3 months!! Is that for real???? I am on hydrocortisone 3 times a day, and before the surgery i was diagnosed with hypersomnia, because i couldnt seem to stay awake. I would wake up, and about 1 to 2 hours later I will fall asleep. I had to stop driving because i would fall asleep. I am more alert now, but how long will it take to start feeling normal again??? Will I ever feel normal again???

[syfy]

I the tumor was found in january of 09 and they said that it was about 5mm and so I was first put on Bromocriptine then changed Endo. and put on cabergoline 2x's a week. Well 6 months later when they found that the tumor had grown to 10mm, my neuro surgeon said we dont want to let it keep growning at this rate and not do anything. so middle of october i had the transphenoidal surgery and he said it was benign. When i went to the office yesterday they still werent able to tell me if it was a secreting tumor or non secreting tumor. So the nurse is going to get that info and call be back with it. I had also just received some labs back from my Endo and it had shown that my prolactin levels have gone back up. So i am going to have another MRI next month and repeat labs next month. I am not freaking out but do want to express concern that the prolactin levels have gone back up. Hopefully not one cell was left. I had an absolutely excellent surgeon, but as we all know the human body is tricky. I do experience alot of sleep issues and if the dose of hydrocortisone that i take at 10 pm is contributing to that then i want to stop taking it.

Has your son or anyone else experienced weight problems with the hydro.corti?
I am sick of this weight...uggggh

[rumpled]

Your thyroid may also be off - has that been tested? Once you have pit surgery, well, the pit can get a bit, well, upset that it has been wacked and stop working for a bit so you have to watch hormones forever and ever.

Thyroid can also raise prolactin - I think you need more testing.

[LivingInHope]

I wonder if my tumor, though reportedly about 5 mm, down from 6 & optic chiasm clear, is why my left eye has gotten so poor in vision?  Last I was told, 20x70 in right and 20x150 in left.

[rumpled]

Usually if vision is directly impaired by the tumor, it is cutting off the vision on the sides.

However, many of us will tell you that after surgery that we find our vision to be clearer and have less headaches. The surgeons may find it anecdotal - and I don't know if it has been studied. I certainly saw better after surgery and was told to wait to change prescriptions for 6 months.

[laydekaw]

My tumor was 8mm and resting on the optic nerve. After the surgery my vision had improved as far as needing reading glasses. I was always myopic so I still need correction for the nearsightedness.

[frankduffey]

I had Pituitary Tumor Surgery in June 2003 at Tampa General Hospital Well I was very tired for the first 3 years now I have a little more energy But I have been having trouble sleeping at night. I cant seem to get on a regular schedule. I don't know if others have had this problem I did go to the VA But I was told I do nt have sleep apnea. So its not that.I was divorced soon after the surgery my ex wife did not like me not being able to work. I did care for her dad that had altimeters for 3 years. After he was put in  a nursing hime I was told I was not needed there any more After being married for 12 years I found out she had been cheating for the last 5 years of my Marriage. I am relived to be pout of that abusive situation Oh I forgot I was verbally abused and Mentally abused as well after my Surgery I was made to feel I was not worth anything. So it has taken me 5 years of counseling at the VA to get back some self esteem. I have not dated much and I don't have any friends here in Gainesville,Fl. So for me it was a down-heal ride to the bottom I was also homeless after going to my parents for help. I was put in jail for arguing with my Dad I had made up with my dad and had a good relationship after that happened in 2005. I came back to Florida in Jan 2006 Thank God The VA was here to help me get my SSDI I had a great Case Manager who drove me to Atlanta,GA for the hearing. I am still unable to work now. I dont have a socal life but I am, talking to 2 women online one who is also disabled and does understand where I am now.