Had Pituitary Surgery On April 2nd

[Chrissy]

I finally got diagnosed with Cushings disease and they came to the conclusion it was a pituitary tumor. So I went to MD Anderson and they removed it. They went up the nose and looked around for suspicious tissue. Unexpectedly they removed most of the insides of my pituitary. Kind of a empty shell now, I guess. I was in the hospital 5 days to be monitered for CSF leak and other complications. No complications, so that's a plus. But the day they were gonna discharge me, I was packing my stuff and next thing I know I was leaning against the wall sliding to the floor. I asked for a nurse to come take my vitals and like 6 people came running in. They locked me into my bed and called my neurosurgeon and sure enough I got an extra night stay. I had the worst nursing staff that night, which is actually the night I needed a good team the most. They were supposed to put me on the cardiac moniters, but never did. I was short of breath to the point of gasping between words, major fatigue, weak, and weird sensations in my chest. We went to sleep around 11 and not an hour later I woke up from heart palipatations and checked it on my heart rate watch. It was 180 bpm, so I called the nurse to come take my vitals. By the time they found a machine that worked, 6 minutes later, it was down to 165 bpm. They did a cardio work up, which came back normal, and put me on the cardio moniters until the next morning. Oxygen was dropping into the low 90s high 80s, heart rate was 130 bpm sleeping, and I was dillusional. It was like I was spaced out on drugs, which could have been the two new pain killers they gave me, but everyone denies drug reaction. They were totally unhelpful and uncompassionate. So we called my local cardiologist and asked if it was safe to drive the 4 hours home to be near him. He said yes, so we did. That was the longest 4 hours of my life. Major motion sickness and dillusions. I came home and spent the next 5 days confined to the couch with an escort to the bathroom. My oxygen was still like 92, but the rest was in normal range. I felt like nauseaus in my chest, if that makes sense. I also had palipatations to any and all noise, and chest pain. When I was finally able to stand, I noticed my blood pressure was going to high in a short amount of time, which was causing the near syncope. I'm doing much better now. I'm actually recovering alot faster than most patients who have pit surgery. Anyway just thought I'd put this out there.

[juliegee]

Wow, what an adventure. I hate to hear about your setback & the way you were treated at the hospital. I'm frankly shocked that they discharged you when you were so unstable. You'll probably never know what caused all of the autonomic craziness, but I've had similar stuff following general anesthesia- sometimes a week later.

Chrissy, I'm so happy they found the tumor, an explanation for your symptoms!!!, and that you're recovering as well as you are. I pray you'll continue to improve and get healthier, and stronger every day. Keep posting & tell us how you are.

Hugs-

Julie

[Noreen]

Chrissy-

Wow- what an experience. It is a good thing you don't ordinarily have panic attacks as that last night in the hospital could have easily brought one on for anyone. I felt every pot hole of your car ride home - you poor dear!

I'm glad you are on the mend. Positive vibes coming your way for continued healing!

Noreen

[lieze]

Bless your heart. I hope you continue to feel better.

Damsel

[summer]

Wow, Chrissy, I'm glad you're feeling better than that. Hope you continue to improve. It must have been scarey to feel so bad and not have good nursing staff there. I can't believe it took a heart rate of 165 for them to decide to put the moniter on you. Take care and get better!

Summer