Acromegaly Support Group

Acromegaly (from Greek akros "high" and megas "large" - extremities enlargement) is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH). Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults and can result in serious illness and premature death. Join the group to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

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Endocrine System
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Panhypopituitarism after surgery?

Chili1978
Chili1978
Hi All,

General question to those that have had surgery;

Are any of you now suffering panhypopituitarism after surgery? I'm in the very early stages of acromegaly and was told last week that it's likely i'll need surgery. My concerns are that although I have days when I'm fatigued, I generally feel OK but could potentially feel much much worse after surgery if this condition is common.

Was anybody else in this situation?

Thanks,

Tom
Mimi8
Mimi8
Hi Tom - I just had surgery 6 days ago so am naturally a little weak and tired right now. Can't answer your question yet, but was told they got all tumor out so that is not a condition I expect I will get - but who knows. I am glad you were diagnosed early and whatever your decision is, I wish you all the best. I will give updates on my recovery as we go along as I know how much others' experiences have helped me. You are in my prayers - God bless you.
JohnD1
JohnD1
My understanding is that over-aggressive removal of the tumour may cause this. Tom, if you end up with the same surgeon as I had (Simon Cudlip at Oxford), you will be in good hands.

Also, after the post-operative recovery period (several weeks), you should feel so much better and have far better energy levels. My sleep improved immeasurably after the op, and that has a very positive effect on how you feel throughout the day.

John
Chili1978
Chili1978
Thank you both for your replies. It's reassuring to know that not all surgery will result in this condition. Like I said, at the moment my symptoms are very very mild, I can manage the fatigue and adjust my days to cope with it, but, I'd hate to jump into surgery and feel worse than I did to begin with.

Mimi8 - that sounds very promising. I'm so glad that they managed to get all of your tumour. I hope you have a speedy recovery too. Please do keep me updated.....

John - my head was 100mph during my appointment with the specialist at RBH, so a lot of what I was told didn't sink in. However, the name Simon Cudlip does sound familiar now you mention it. It's good to know that recovery happens relatively quickly after to surgery.

Thanks,

Tom