I also had a craniotomy / mingioma at Mayo in Rochester July 1 2 years ago (2024). staples and stitches came out well with no lingering problems. I did lightly rub the healing area. It seemed to help speed up/ reduce the swelling process.

If you see improvements already in some of your setbacks, that’s great! Keep working on it!

My surgery was on my right occipital lob. Sounds like I experienced little pain like you described above. I was very tired. Sill struggling with fatigue. They say it can take years to heal fully. I m hopeful. I have a titanium plate as well and have had no trouble or discomfort there.

It is amazing what the medical team and your body can do.
With my surgeons blessing; I went to Disney 6-months after surgery and rode all the rollercoasters with my Grandchildren. 😊

Wish you the very best!