Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Pituitary Surgery - recovery

I have first time endoscopic pituitary surgery scheduled in the next 6 weeks.- I have a small secreting tumour (increased IGF1)  I am obviously and scared for the surgery.

I understand people have outlined common side effects of tiredness, weakness and dizziness etc. I am an otherwise healthy 25 year old female so I was wondering how long post surgery before people began to feel normal and less fatigued?

I am hoping to return to work around 6 weeks after surgery if recovery goes to plan however I have a long haul vacation/holiday booked for 12 weeks post surgery. Anyone who has been through this surgery and the aftermath- would you recommend I rearrange my travel plans?

Thanks.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I would discuss your vacation date with your doctor.  Some people do well after surgery with few complications (this is the norm) but it does take time for the hormones to settle and more than the physical side of surgery will be the hormone side that will be the issue imho as it may make you more tired etc.

If you have insurance on your trip, yeah! I would also plan to not be super duper active as you are still healing and while you are technically over the hump, if you go full bore, you may bust open your surgical site or get a csf leak. Otherwise if you mean to lay on a beach and chill, it may be a great thing.

You really won't know until you have the surgery. I felt much better after mine, I was super sick before surgery, so that can play a part in post-op recovery.

Talk to the docs, and it depends on the plans.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks very much for your advice. I am planning a vacation to Walt Disney World so unfortunately it isn't a relaxing break- it would be quite active and strenuous and I think despite being 12 weeks post surgery it may push me to the limit of tiredness and I wouldn't want it to hinder my recovery or ruin the vacation. I think best bet maybe to rearrange the trip to August 2017- 4 months post surgery.

Thanks.
Avatar universal
Given the waking and the rides, I would guess that it would be better to move that one back! Good luck on the surgery and let us know how it goes.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
I had my gH secreting tumor removed in October. The whole month of October was tough but not unbearable. I was actually able to return to work in only 3 weeks though I felt like I really should have taken 4 weeks off. It was a solid 4 weeks before I returned to "normal" again despite some lingering side effects from the surgery like neuropathy, sinus pressuremuscle cramps, and headaches which persist to this day. Good luck! Your surgeons skill level honestly does effect what kind of results you end up with. I would keep the vacation plans.
Thanks for your advice. its the recovery part I'm so unsure of- suppose you've just got to take it as it comes. as I feel quite well and normal know I think I'm just fearful of how much the surgery is going to take it out of me and make me feel unwell/ lethargic afterwards. How long was your stay in Hospital post surgery? Thanks,
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Brain/Pituitary Tumors Community

Top Cancer Answerers
Avatar universal
Northern, NJ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.