How will I feel after surgery?

[Bananabag]

Active, social 72 year old female awaiting non malignant meningioma surgery around Christmas time. The meningioma is currently pressing on my optic nerve and causing vision deterioration in one eye. No other symptoms. No other health issues other than general age related arthritic bits! I dance, exercise and walk regularly. If you would be happy to share your post op journey and give me any tips, I'd love to hear from you. Mostly interested in knowing how soon I might feel 'normal' again and when energy levels return. Having lost my hubby last year, I'll be dealing with this mostly on my own with some initial help from friends.

[Simply71]

Good Evening

Sorry to hear your news, I also had a meningioma which was on my optic nerve but giving me no trouble apart from slight vision loss. I had an operation in May to remove the tumour and all went very well. I spent 8 days in hospital then three weeks doing as I was told but after 3 weeks at home I started walking my dog (slowly) again and pottering about adapting ways of doing normal jobs.

Some days were easier than other but your body will tell you if you need to rest and please do listen to it. I returned to work 13 weeks after my operation part time and now I’m back full time, again some days are easier than others but I feel incredibly lucky to be given the chance to live life to its fullest again.

I went back to my bootcamp classes and swimming before work and again adapted the exercises to suit me.

Please just listen to your body and accept any offers of help that come your way.

Sending you good luck and love 😊

[Bananabag in reply to Simply71]

Hi. Thank you so much for getting back to me - and so promptly. It's good to hear a success story. I really do appreciate you taking the time. Really good to know that you got back to bootcamp and dog walking relatively soon. Luckily, I don't have to worry about getting back to work these days so I can focus on gradually returning to my dance passion. Yes, I realise that I must - and have taken on board that I must listen to my body... Thanks again.

[Cast_away]

Hi there sorry to hear that you’re facing surgery.

I too had surgery in 2022 for a 6cm meningioma pressing on my optic nerve. I hadn’t time to stress about the surgery because diagnosis was made quickly and due to pressure had to be carried out urgently.

At the time I was feeling great confusion and speech problems and was unable to process thoughts clearly - I was both frightened and “foggy”

Following my 16 hour surgery and coming out of anaesthesia in special care I was feeling really odd - like I was in another world - I could hear things going on around me but was not able to engage. However this was short - the next day I was more “with it” and whilst I did feel fragile for a few more days, by day 10 I was fit to go home. I was fortunate to have the support of my family to cook and care for me for several weeks- I am sure that you will need support too and your hospital will I’m sure help set this up.

Recovery from surgery took about six weeks but the fatigue impacted for longer. However my symptoms of confusion and pressure in my cranium and on optic nerve were resolved so whilst a challenging journey it was most definitely one worth taking.

I remained free of any regrowth for 18 months and now face radiotherapy.

My very best wishes for your speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

[Bananabag in reply to Cast_away]

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Your recovery information is really very helpful. I have friends who will be around in the first few weeks and yes, hopefully the hospital can arrange something too.

I am so sorry to hear you now have regrowth; but I’ve heard that radiotherapy gives good results, although it was not considered a suitable treatment for me. I do hope that your treatment is successful and there will be no further issues for you. ❤️‍🩹