Meningioma invading the superior sagittal venous sinus: Next steps?
Hello,
I have a meningioma that is invading the superior sagittal venous sinus, unfortunately is been there since 2019, but was able to be seen on 2024 after a ct scan due to I have had a brain surgery for a brain aneurysm that was clip on 2004, so I have to follow-up. Anyone with a similar situation, to be honest I am a bit worry, going to see a neurosurgeon after my MRI to see what the next steps are
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Diane, you've been dealing with figuring all of this out since May so I can understand why you're to the point of just being relieved to know it is happening. As they wheeled me on the gurney up to the double doors that led to the surgery suite, and the nurse told my husband he had to return to the waiting room, he had tears in his eyes but I was pretty unemotional, just glad to be finally getting it over with after spending most of the summer going here and there, and everywhere, trying to figure out what I was up against and what I was going to do about it. I was told to keep my head, (when sleeping) at about a 30 degree angle (upon discharge) and lucky for me my son-in-law donated his wedge pillow. Have the stool softener/laxative (docusate sodium) on board at home beforehand as it's very important to not strain after surgery. (And after arriving home, I wouldn't have wanted my husband to leave me for a run to the drug store.) I also have a meningioma not invading, but abutting, the superior sagittal venous sinus (8mm and no symptoms) that the neurosurgeon who removed the 3 centimeter one next to my optic nerve is recommending we just watch, for now. I'm glad you're getting the meningioma removed now so you'll be pretty much fully recovered to enjoy the fall holidays. The meningioma 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve was removed mid October and 2 weeks later I was passing out Halloween candy. I did beg off for Thanksgiving ( real reason is I don't like to cook so the craniotomy gave me a good excuse) but everyone was at my house for Christmas, 2 1/2 months later. So I like to think positively, and say I'm sure you'll be fine. I wish you the best during your hospital stay and a speedy recovery.
Diana,
Where are you having your surgery done? Do you have caregivers in place to be with you before and after the surgery?
I had emergency surgery for a meningioma which bled, a stroke. And 2-3 days in a neuro ICU. After that, the recovery was easy and remarkably pain free. From my experience, I recommend that you have someone monitoring not only your physical state but day-to-day things that you handle for at least several months. I quickly was functional physically but some piece of my executive functioning mind (like paying the bills) needed more time to recover.
Diane, you originally posted about this last May so I can understand you are relieved to know what is going on inside your head and on the surgery schedule. You asked for advice post surgery. I was told upon discharge to sleep with my head at a 25, 30 or 40 degree angle (sorry, can't remember which) for a week. Lucky for me my son-in-law had a wedge pillow. You might want to check with the nurse who calls before surgery and ask about that. Also, you are not supposed to be straining after surgery and the hospital I was at said to have docusate sodium (stool softener and laxative) on hand at home b/c all the meds they give you during surgery are constipating. I liked the prior post suggesting eat something you love but usually avoid. I was on anti-seizure meds for 3 or 4 weeks post surgery and never feel like eating early in the morning. But I don't like taking meds on an empty stomach so I allowed myself to take the keppra with cake, cookies, or ice cream. I wish you all the best during surgery and a quick recovery. Please let us know how things are going afterward.
Thank you and will try my best. Sometimes is hard for me to ask or get any help, but I know I will need it
It will be at Medical Center Methodist, Houston. Yes I do will have my hubby and both of my sons with their spouse and fiancée, and my best friend, so I think I go it cover.
Will do, Is hard to sometimes think about yourself but this time I need to. Thank you very much.
I am glad you are ok. That is good to know about recovery I know every patient is different, but knowing some info will help me with recovery a bit more. thank you 🙂
Hi, Maryann,
When you said "they wheeled you on the gurney up to the double doors that led to the surgery suite, and the nurse told my husband had to return to the waiting room, he had tears in his eyes but I was pretty unemotional" That is pretty much how my situation will be as well, on my case will be my husband and both of my sons. I am just so ready for this stage to be over and be able to be without constant headaches (24/7) for a while, been able to sleep at night for more that 4 hours. Praying that after this surgery I will be good for a while. The hardest part after surgery and when I am home will be having to depend or have help from my family and closest friends, but I know I have to be flexible and understand that I can not do everything on my own for a bit and they will be more that happy to help me out as much as I need it.
Thank you for all your well wishes and as soon as I am able will post how everything went and how I am feeling. Surgery is on August 27.
Thank you for all this info. Will let you all know everything went.