Anyone have experience with Cushing's Disease?

[mrsv98]

My DMom finally has a diagnosis for her mutliple, multiple symptom illness. Her neurologist is fairly certain she has Cushing's Disease. This is different from Cushing's Syndrom because it means she has a tumor on her pituitary gland. After a couple more tests and the dreaded MRI on 4/16 the doc will be able to set a course of treatment including surgery. The good news is that the procedure is generally done by going in through the nose so the Neurosurgeon won't have to open her head.

My questions are about the recovery. The information about what comes next seems to vary widely from person to person. Has anyone had any first hand knowledge in dealing with recovery in a disease like this?

As weird as it may seem to be happy that my DM has a tumor on her brain, at least we have an answer. She is only 57 and looks and feels 80 so we are praying this will give her back her life. Any spare prayers will be appreciated also!

Rebecca

 

[DisneyObsessed]

I'm sorry I have no information for you, but prayers and pixie dust for your mom.

 

[tidoublegger]

Rebecca, I have some info from my nursing text...hopefully it will help (this is written for the nurse):

Monitor the client's neurologic status.

Encourage the client to maintain pulmonary hygiene through deep breathing exercises.

Instruct the client not to cough, blow the nose or sneeze.

Instruct the client to use dental floss and oral mouth rinses because brushing the teeth is not permitted until the incision heals sufficiently.

Instruct the client to avoid bending at the waist for any reason, because this position increases intercranial pressure.

Monitor the nasal drip pad for the type and amount of drainage.

Monitor bowel movements to prevent constipation and subsequent "straining".

Teach the client self-administration of the prescribed hormones, if indicated.


This procedure decreases hormone levels, relieves headaches, and may reverse changes in sexual functioning. Body changes and visual changes are not usually reversible. Nasal packing is present for 2-3 days postoperatively and it will be necessary to breath through the mouth, and a "mustache" dressing ("drip" pad) will be placed under the nose.


This was taken from my text, but obviously each client is different. I'm sure the nurses/doctors will give you guys a complete picture prior to the operation of what to expect both during the operative procedure and postoperatively.

I wish your mom the best....my prayers are with you both!

Tracy