← Return to Surgery for pilocytic astrocytoma: When will I feel like myself again?

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@colleenyoung

Hi @jkenser,
Six weeks doesn't seem like a very long time post brain surgery to be feeling 100% already. Keep in mind, I'm not a health care professional nor have I had brain surgery. But, I wonder if you are putting undue pressure on yourself. Focus on your well-being, your mental health to reduce the anxiety and concentrate on getting good sleep. Sleep is a great healer. Getting better sleep will help the other things fall into place.

I hope @cleahy85 and @lynda1992 can share more about recovering after surgery for a pilocytic astrocytoma. I know @cynaburst and @dawn_giacabazi can share wise words about giving yourself time and patience to heal.

Jkenser, what do you do to help yourself sleep?

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Replies to "Hi @jkenser, Six weeks doesn't seem like a very long time post brain surgery to be..."

Hi Colleen,
Thank you for your response. Funny you should ask about sleep, as I am not sleeping well at all. I wake up a million times a night =( Unfortunately I am one of those people that does not want to take anything for anxiety or sleep because the thought of that makes me anxious.. I am one big mess. I would love to talk with others that have had pilocytic astrocytomas whose surgeries were a success. I am trying to stay away from google as that only feeds my anxiety. Thank you =)

Hi @jkenser,
You just had brain surgery to remove a brain tumor and you survived! That's right, you survived! You need to keep telling yourself that. Maybe it would help if you would start keeping a journal. Write down all your thoughts, feelings & fears. Why do you feel like you're one big mess, etc. Is there a support group in your area? If there isn't, seek a professional who you can talk too. This fall, it will be 25 years since my brain surgery. I still have some high anxiety days. You're not alone. You need to give yourself a break. Take a deep breathe. Relax..... For now, stay away from the internet. Focus your attention on something else. Do you have any hobbies?

@jkenser,
I really like Lynda and Scott's suggestions. Here's an article from Mayo Clinic called "Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep" http://mayocl.in/1GKQsv9 I know many of things are easier said than done, but it might be a good place to start.

I wish you a good sleep tonight.
Colleen

Thank you. Colleen there is no way Mayo would have diagnosed my brain tumor wrong right? If they said it is a grade 1 pilocytic astrocytoma then that's what it was right?? I made the mistake of searching the internet tonight which left me riddled with fear and anxiety. I hate that I feel this way =(

When I need to get to sleep or if I want a short power Nap. I play Hypnotic recording from U-tube and get a really Deep sleep.

Hello @jkenser!

Everyone makes mistakes however Mayo Clinic physicians are extremely thorough before diagnosing. I have great confidence in them. Our bodies are always changing and highly suggest making an appointment with your Mayo Clinic physician and discussing your symptoms and concerns. This will certainly help you sleep better.

Praying for restful sleep
Dawn