After Your Pituitary Surgery

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over your nose and abdominal incision. DO NOT scrub the incision. Pat it dry.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures (“stitches”) are removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your abdominal incision for 2 to 4 weeks.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

At the time of discharge you should be able to care for yourself, however, you should not perform household duties or care for others.

DO NOT blow your nose until cleared to do so by your physician.

DO NOT bend or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for at least 4 weeks (i.e. a thick phone book or jug of milk).

DO NOT drive until you are cleared to do so.

Gradually increase your activity until you reach your preoperative level.

Walk for exercise.

PAIN MEDICINE

If you are given a prescription for pain medication, take the medication only when needed and for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures do not help and you become constipated, you may use an over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative (such as Milk of Magnesia

Please note that many narcotic medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.

OTHER MEDICATIONS

Steroid medication

After surgery, you may need to take a steroid medication (hydrocortisone). This may be necessary if your pituitary gland is not producing enough of the hormone cortisol. The medication will usually be tapered off eventually. Side effects may include increased appetite, feelings of hyperactivity and increased anxiety.

Medication to decrease urine production

Occasionally after surgery, part of the pituitary gland will be “stunned” and not able to produce enough of a hormone called vasopressin which helps control urine production. As a result you may urinate frequently, producing large amounts of dilute urine. If this happens in the hospital, you may be sent home with a medicine called DDAVP or pitressin to suppress this increased urine production. During this time of increased urine production you should also drink water whenever you feel thirsty in order to keep the minerals in your blood in their proper balance.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, or wound drainage.

Persistent or severe headache, extreme stiffness in your neck, or any new seizures.

Changes in mental function such as confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness.

New or increased weakness of the arms/legs, and/or difficulty speaking or walking.

Voiding (urinating) large amounts of dilute urine (your urine may appear colorless, like water) and you are very thirsty.

Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling.

Any changes in your vision, including double vision, blurry vision, or dark spots.

Any clear drainage from your nose.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions call the office at 717-920-7664.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.

Helpful Links

Pituitary Network Association

American Brain Tumor Association