Left Frontal Meningioma surgery recovery

@kellybeller I am so sorry! Did you have surgery 10 years ago or treatment?

I had surgery in Oct 2017 I'm curious to know how soon after surgery you had your issues?

I began having problems about six months after surgery. I initially attributed it to my fibromyalgia but as things got worse I knew it wasn't just the fibromyalgia.

I'm curious Have you ever heard the word "encephelomalacia "? My doctors keep saying it's normal after brain surgery but they can't explain the dizziness or imbalance I have

No, no one as ever used that term in referring to my issues. I haven't had dizziness or imbalance from the surgery. I am sorry you are having to deal with them. I have experienced it with my blood pressure. My loss of memory has been the worst thing I have dealt with related to the surgery. I was always the one person who remembered everything. In school I rarely studied because I had a photographic memory and could mentally view the material when I was taking tests. I remembered things as far back as two to three years of age. When I began having trouble remembering words, especially the names of objects, I got very concerned. Over time it got worse to the point that even a slight interruption would cause me to totally forget what I was doing. I would have to not only try to figure out what I was doing but why I was doing and how to do it. I can say that therapy has helped me deal with the anxiety and depression and while I will never be able to work again I am learning ways to take care of daily activities.

My mother had this surgery May 7th 2000. Her recovery was quick, she was home from the hospital in less than 7 days. She could tell time and problem solve immediately after surgery. She was able to drive except on freeways within 30 days. Her meningioma was the size of an extra large egg and encapsulated so everything including the tentacles was removed. 5 years post surgery she went to Stanford for Neuropsychological testing because of erratic emotions and behaviors. We had been warned that long term she would end up with dementia. After the testing she was started on 10mg of aricept at bedtime and approximately 2 years they added Namenda twice daily. In about 2012 she changed to the once daily extended release form of both aricept and Namenda and although the doctor was doubtful it worked very well until she died this past October. When they took her off of it for about 5 weeks she would respond appropriately but never engaged staff on her own when they restarted both within 3 days she was smiling and talkative and ready to come home. Once home she only sundowned when she had an active uti or other infections. She lived 18.5 years post surgery and did very well with the mentioned meds and an antidepressant. She wasn't able to renew her license at 7 years post surgery due to inability to pass written test.

Hi @cindyt, I have a M pressing on the Trigeminal nerve. The NS said it is operable but would not be without risks due to location. I have severe tingling, pin pricking sensation to rt forehead down to rt side of face , some days is a 2 some and 8 if I had to rate from 1-10. It can be exhausting to concentrate and focus at times. I am taking gabapentin not sure that it helps. Did you find any medication that helped? The NS stated even if able to remove the symptoms may still be there. We are watching at this time , MRI in June. I see Neurologist again next week to see if more help with symptoms. I am trying to work full time, have a mother with dementia, family and 1 year old puppy.

I had surgery in 2005 to remove a large meningioma and followup Gamma Knife radiation in 2009. I had no serious after affects, nor do I today.
The problem is I am now in stage 4 kidney disease. Due to my chronic kidney issues [GFR 27} I have had no MRI's in several years. My primary care physician feels my kidneys could tolerate the MRI dyes and I should have one. I currently have no symptoms and remain reluctant to stress my kidneys.

Hi, @icwright - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds as though you've been through an awful lot with your health. You are wise to try and look out for your own best interests and look into things regarding your kidneys and MRIs.

Since you mentioned the chronic kidney disease, I wanted to point to some Connect discussions on that disease you may be interested in reading over and participating in:

- General discussion of stage 4 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-4-ckd/

- Diet for stage 3 or 4 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/confused-about-stage-3-ckd-diet/

- Needing support before a stage 3/4 CKD appointment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-need-support

You may likely find others in the general discussion of stage 4 CKD who may have some thoughts on your toleration of MRIs.

I'd also point you to a Mayo Clinic article on MRI for those with kidney problems https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/expert-answers/gadolinium/faq-20057772

What does your neurologist or nephrologist think about your kidneys and undergoing MRI to monitor the area where your meningioma was removed, icwright?

Hi, I also have a tumor that is pressing on this nerve, may I ask what medications seemed to help with the symptoms