Pituitary Gland Tumor

BEFORE you have the surgery, call Dr. Donna Smith (Advanced Clinical Nutrition). ###-###-####. She's had cases where patients have avoided surgery altogether but even if you do have to have the surgery she can help your body be prepared for the trauma of surgery. Your body is never the same once they cut into you so please call her first!! www.advancedclinicalnutrition.com She knows how to help the body heal itself!

I have an adenoma on my pituitary gland as well. I produced high amounts of prolactin which was found in blood work. I took a medication (it was over 15 years ago, so I don't remember what) for a period of time and then stopped. I have MRI's with contrast every 2 years. My OB/GYN found it because I had had several miscarriages and the symptoms I was giving him he diagnosed me and then did the tests and he was right. He told me there was no reason to do surgery unless the adenoma began to grow and then it could effect my vision. He could tell by the shape/depth of the adenoma it was benign. I monitor it closely but have had no problems and like I said it was found over 15 years ago.

Please remember you have options if you think the doctor is too agressive. Surgery may be the answer for you, but if you're not comfortable with it, go to someone else for a second opinion. I worked in doctor's offices (specialists and surgeons) before I had children. Some are "not happy unless there's a patient asleep on the table to work on" and others are more conservative. You need to find someone who matches your thinking and don't allow yourself to be "scared" into doing something you're not ready to do.

I don't know where you're located. My sister was a P.A. at Presbyterian in Dallas until she retired a couple of years ago. If you need some more names, let me know and I'll see what she knows.

Blessings!
L.

I'm from a small town, so we know everyone, and a lady here in town had one, it make her gain a lot of weight no matter how little she ate, and she finally had surgery. Everything went well and she is working her old job. I don't really know any particulars, as although I know everyone, that doesn't mean I know them all personal. But she seemed to do o.k. Don't know if this helps or not, hope so.

First of all you will be in my prayers. My sister had one back in 2001 at the age of 26. I'm not quite sure if it was the same type, but is was benign. The surgery itself took about 3-4 hours. She had 1 1/2 days in ICU and 3 days in a regular room. It was a good 6 week recovery for her.

They actually went in through her nose. Once the tumor was removed they filled the hole with a skin graft the took from her backside ( we still tease her how her butt is smelling) She could not blow her nose for about 3 weeks I think. I would recommend staying away from highly perfumed items. She had a terrible headache for about 2 weeks also. I don't want to scare you, but I also don't want you to be suprised if any of this comes up. She could not do stairs or drive for about 3-4 weeks also. It messes up your balance. Luckily she stayed with my parents. They converted the living room into her new bedroom. they also had a full bath downstairs. I would say the first week you are home you will need someone with you.

I wish you healthy healing thoughts and prayers. Please let us all know how you are. Do you have family or friends that will be able to help out? I'm in the NRH/Keller area if you need anything.

S.

S.,

My Dad had a large pituitary tumor back in 1993. At the time, we had never heard of anyone having one, and were all quite worried, needlessly. The surgeon went in through his nose, so aside from a couple of stitches, you really couldn't even tell he had anything done by looking at him. He vacuumed out what he could and then packed the void with fat 8-). Dad spent a few days in the hospital, and had quite a few restrictions for a month or two afterwards. He recovered quickly, with no problems.

Try not to worry. I've heard of several people having the same surgery, since my Dad, and they've all done well. I'm sure you will be fine.

I found out about 2 years ago that I too have a prolactin producing tumor on my pituitary gland. The doctor said that it was very small. Less then the head of a pen. So I have not had to take any medications or have surgery. Did they tell you how big the tumor is? I was very scared in the beginning because I didn't know what to expect of this thing. But everytime I go back to the dr he says my prolactin levels are going down! I was also diagnosed with a thyroid problem at the same time. Did they say anything about that to you?
K.

S. M,
Yes, I do have a Pituitary Gland Tumor. It is right above the Pituitary Gland. They first had me on 3 or 4 different kinds of medicine that is because I was having seizures. The seizures have stop because finding out that was brought on because of stress. I lessened the stress or at least try to. I did not have surgery and so far so good. I am not any longer on medicine of any kind due to alot of prayers and faith. I will pray for you and the surgery although I know you will get through it with flying colors. You are only the second person I have heard of with this but my doctor said that a alot of people have them and don't even know it. I don't know what causes them or how a person gets one. Have a good day and God bless you.
M. D

I had a pituitary tumor removed several years ago. The surgeon went in through my upper gums and nose to reach the tumor. Fortunately, he did not have to cut through my scalp. I was in the hospital for two weeks. Then I was out of commission for two months. Considering it was brain surgery, it could have been a lot worse. For me, the only bad part was when he finished with the surgery I was leaking spinal fluid. He had to go back in and fix it...I ended up with a spinal tap. I had horrible headaches and back pain for a month. Also, I ended up with Diabetes Insipidus (not sugar Diabetes)-my pituitary does not secrete a specific hormone and I will have to take medication twice a day for the rest of my life (not the end of the world). Not every tumor requires surgery. My cousin has one and they are treating her with medication to try and reduce the size of the tumor. I know how scary this can be, but compared to other brain tumors it wasn't too bad. Which neurosurgeon will you see? Mine was Dr. Martin Lazar at Medical City in Dallas. I would highly recommend him!!
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions or just need someone to listen let me know. Good luck!!
K. N.