Just came back from the NS for 3 month follow-up. Had another cat scan to monitor the small pseudo that I have had since surgery. I was thinking that it would be smaller (the back of my head doesn't seem quite as puffy), but it is actually larger. I am not having and issues with nausea and my headaches have been better since the surgery. I still have a lot of neck pain, dizziness and vertigo which has not resolved (have had this for many years).
The Physician's Assistant seemed worried that the pseudo was a bit bigger and talked about Diamox, but then the NS came in and said it is still considered small and not to worry about it because he isn't. He told me to once again sleep in an upright position, limit lifting to under 10 lbs. and avoid valsalva (bearing down, hard laughing, coughing). Other than that - see him in 3 months and repeat the cat scan.
He is so nonchalant about everything. When I asked him what symptoms would be a "red flag" that it was getting worse, he said "There will be none because it will not be an issue".
For all of you out there with this issue now or in the past, does this sound right?
Thanks for your response. I too felt like it was such a "typical surgeon" response …. like how dare anything go wrong with the surgery that he performed. He is so adamant that it will not be an issue. I wish I was as confident as he seems to be. I can't help but think that some of my other symptoms would be better if the swelling was gone.
I don't have the terrible symptoms of a pseudo as many others do, so I am thankful for that. But, like you said, it would be nice to know what would be a "red flag".
Good luck to you.
Mandy said:
Hi,
I haven't had surgery yet, so no personal experience, but his answer that this will not be an issue is egotistical to say the least. Even if he truly feels there will not be any problems, what would be the harm in telling you symptoms to worry about?? I understand that pseudos can resolve on their own, but there seems to be a substantial number that don't, and it only makes sense to educate patients on what symptoms will need attention. I'm so sorry you're going through this :(
Um, that was so rude of him! Not confidence inspiring! I’m sorry that it’s still there- I was hoping that it would be gone. I have no experience either with this so no advice, just sorry. I hope that you continue to improve with your other symptoms D.
Whatever happened? I’m in the same situation right now 3 weeks post op my pseudomeningocele is about similar size 3x4 inches about 1 inch deep. My NS seems very dismissive. They are not worried but increased my steroid. I very much dislike the steroids. I have just about every darn side effect from the steroids.