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???

[yoyomomina]

Peachesbaker 12, You poor thing!!  I truly feel for you.  I would not be happy either.  I was only in the hospital 1 day - surgery Friday - home Saturday.  I've really had absolutely no problems since I've been home except I am now VERY foggy and off balance.  Is this common?  How long will this last., Rumpled?  I'm not sure what D1 is - can you explain?  I don't understand why the dr isn't having you use the saline spray.  It's really kept me quite clear.  I also use Nasonex as I said before, once a day.  And I take Allegra once a day.  I used the NeilMed Sinus Rinse yesterday. I am not fond of it.  (The ENT never told me how often to use it - he doesn't talk at all and I've been so foggy I can't think right so I never asked him any questions - tell me why these doctors don't give you an instruction sheet to follow!!!!.)  It made me feel like I had been swimming - I'd rather not use it but I will if I can find out how often.  BTW, I saw an ENT because he was part of the surgery.  I agree with Rumpled - you definitely need to call your doctor.  Let us know what happens.

[rumpled]

Call your doctor. Use the bowl/towel method that I told to yoyomo - and find out from the doc if you can use saline.
Hot tea, hot soups help etc. too.

You can't really be on meds right now - you have to do non-medical clearing out. It is a pain - but it does pass. You can also do what YYM did as well - see an ENT.

[Peachesbaker12]

Hi I just had the same surgery Jan 14 2013 .  The hospital stay was 6 days I wanted to die most of those 6 days.  Now home I am so stuffed I to have been sniffling .  My husband asked do you think you should do that ? what else am I suppose to do I can't breath blow my nose or take it anymore.  It all takes time but I get frustrated and all the meds they sent me home with don't help the problems either.  I currently have D1 under control with meds.  Going to Dr. Thursday for first post op I guess I'll see how that goes.

[rumpled]

I had the clean outs weekly... they were awful.
Do take it easy. It may not look like you had surgery - but you did and you still have surgical AND hormonal recovery to make.

I would be very prudent on the blowing... I had to wait a month.

[yoyomomina]

I saw my ENT yesterday.  He cleaned and suctioned out the junk in my nose.  That was fun!!  I'm not a fan of things like that but boy can I breathe better.  He told me I could blow my nose lightly - that was a relief.  He said to use a saline spray rinse because there is still a little that needs to be cleaned out of my sinuses.  All looks good but he did say to take it easy still.  Most of my life I had no problem taking it easy but I feel so good I would love to start exercising again and go back to work but I won't be foolish.  

I will definitely get a copy of the pathology report - thanks for that tip.

I will post again after I see the neurosurgeon and the endo dr.

[rumpled]

I hope the acromegaly stays gone. You do still have to be monitored no matter what the surgeon says.

Do try the steam and humidifier. I know your weather - I am in northern NJ - and I used a lot of help after surgery.

Get a copy of your pathology!