GOING FOR SURGERY

[ChristinaMG]

Hi, Im a 26 female, independently and alone thru this surgery. Everything I learned I learned on my own, and research on my own.

I am just wondering.. Im in NJ. Having the surgery at UMDNJ. They are not recommendable for most gun shot patients... however, my neurosurgeon seems very recommendable. Im still terrified!! Stupid me watching youtube video, scaring me more. Reading about recovery processes and all... I am going to surgery the end of March 2013. I will have to fly my mother from Florida, (just to have someone around)...

Can someone offer me some insite on questions to ask the doctor regarding before surgery and after? Also, Im a women recovering from a EX physically abusive relationship... HOWEVER, I was beaten one day and have a scar under my nose. I am very subconscious about this scar as is.... will it get worse???? is the scaring a major issue during the recovery process?

I hope this surgery is successful!! I cant wait to be normal again and have my Protactinium levels decrease from 245!!

Maybe one day before 30, I can have a family. Pray for me!

[KTM94]

Hey... Just wanted to see how you are doing, hoping all went well with your surgery and your recovery as well... Blessings to you!

[rumpled]

I had two - one was an infection... mine is back so I could have more, but the docs are talking radiation... I am rather surprised at this point they are not discussing that option with you?

These things sadly do have a weird way about them - and there is no way to predict when, if or how they will come back... bleah. As for normal - ha ha this is the new normal.

[KTM94]

Yessssss!!!!! I'm hoping they get this sucker straight from the wall, lol... I've been fortunate enough to not have suffered major complications but it seems every time I'm left to deal some new annoying issue. Surgery #3 I seem to have developed some type of excessive mucous buildup that has me pretty much blowing my face off.  My ENT has me on Flonase to control it and get the massive swelling under control before surgery #4.  Oh boy it would sure be nice to feel normal again I'm just saying.  Thanks all who read these posts, I never thought I would find a place to speak on these experiences and people actually know what I'm talking about.  Best wishes to anyone who has to endure such strange and traumatic ordeals such as this. :)

[rumpled]

Thanks! WOW #4!  I have a friend that had 3, but that is a lot...

[KTM94]

Hello, I too am in NJ and have had all my pituitary surgeries performed at UMDNJ. I am pleased to share my experiences with you if you want. I will be having surgery #4 in April. I wish you well and look forward to communicating with you.

[rumpled]

Hi there...

I am not aware, sorry that UMDMJ is a pituitary center. I do hope that the surgeon has a lot of experience under his belt as that is the primary thing needed for a good surgical outcome.

I am so sorry about the abuse. Pituitary surgery goes in via the nostril and there should be no scarring from the surgery as the incision is in a sinus way up where it cannot be seen. I will add you as a friend and I have a pic of me just right after surgery - you cannot even tell I really had it except one nostril looks a little red - a cold would be far worse!

You do need someone around.

As for questions, number of surgeries, complications and how he addresses them, how he can be reached after surgery, how long in surgery, what testing is done, is this endoscopic or microscopic (endo is better), done via nose or mouth (nose is better)...

I assume you have an endo to follow you in case there are hormonal issues after surgery? Not common but just in case.

Yeah some of those videos are horrible!