www.CUSH.Org
CUSHOrg@aol.com Surgical Recovery
Recovery from the actual surgical procedure to remove a Cushing’s causing tumor is basically like any other corrective surgery. There will be limitations with such things as lifting, bending, driving, and returning to work, etc. The surgeon should make the recommendation for such limitations depending on your individual needs.
It's not uncommon for patients who have had pituitary surgery to experience headache, facial, and or sinus pain. The pain and discomfort should improve on a daily basis following surgery. If your pain or discomfort should get worse contact your neurosurgeon immediately.
Headache, chills, fever, yellow or green nasal discharge and a stiff neck may all signify an infection. You should notify your physician if you notice any of these symptoms. If you experience a persistent nasal discharge whether it be clear watery, bloody or yellowish green you should call your physician immediately. Also, if you develop abnormalities in your vision you should call your physician.
If you experience excess thirst or urination it could be a sign of developing diabetes insipidus. This disorder could cause dehydration and you would need immediate evaluation. Therefore, contact your physician imminently.
Sometimes after pituitary surgery and even more common after surgery for Cushing’s disease, a disorder of salt and water metabolism can occur (low blood sodium levels) causing nausea, vomiting, confusion, poor concentration, headache and muscle aches. This usually occurs between 7 to 10 days after surgery. Contact your physician immediately if you experience these symptoms.
After adrenal surgery you should notify your physician if you should notice any redness or increased discharge from the surgery site or any increases in pain as this could be an indication of infection.
If you were prescribed replacement hormones at the time of discharge you should take these medications, without interruption, as prescribed by your physician. Your glucocorticoid hormone dosage may require adjustments. However, always consult your physician before making any adjustments in your medication.
Some symptoms that may represent complications after any surgery may include but not limited to: shortness of breath, swelling in one or both legs, unusual pain in an area of your body, chest pain or dark stool, if any of these symptoms occur contact your physician.
As recommended contact your physician if you experience any or the symptoms mentioned in this publication or if you develop any additional or unusual symptoms. If you can not reach your physician, then as always, proceed to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
Cushing’s Understanding Support & Help Org. We're a non-profit organization. We're not a medical authority, therefore we do not claim to have medical knowledge. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider with any medical questions that you have concerning test, treatment, advice, etc. This information is provided as a service to Cushing’s patient's their family and friends and should never be considered as medical advice. It can be printed from this site for personal use only. The information is not to be edited. Using the information for any other reason than mentioned above requires prior written authorization from CUSH.
< Back to Tests, Treatment & Recovery Page