As many of you have read already, immediately after my surgery I developed sphenoid sinusitis. This went on for a several months after my surgery and it was discovered that the titanium mesh put in my head dislodged from its original placement. It was suspected that this was attributing to my problem. In 2007 it was decided that I would undergo a second surgery and have the mesh removed. However, I found out I was pregnant while I was on the operating table and the surgery was canceled.
Early last summer I began having headache, ear pain, and pressure behind the eyes. I was treated by my general doctor for sinusitis and returned to my ENT in January to discuss symptoms that resurfaced again. After treating me with another round of antibiotics for sinus infection, he ordered a CT scan (because symptoms did not go entirely away) which revealed mucosal thickening >8mm in the sphenoid sinus. My ENT thinks my symptoms and the scan results may suggest sphenoid sinusitis though the CT scan is not overwhelmingly convincing. What is seen could be infection, but it is hard to make out if the post operative changes are scarring or inflammation. There is a slight change in the right sphenoid from prior studies that is suspicious and so in this situation the doctor said it is prudent to prescribe an extended course of antibiotics and see if the symptoms go away (as they have in the past). I will be rescanned in a few months to see if there is any change in my sinus. If there is evidence of more thickening, then removing the mesh might be the right course of action to take.
For now, I have put off pursuing surgery. Someone might ask, "Why wait? You were going to have the surgery before...why not just go get it over with?" Well, here's my reasons: 1) According to my ENT there is not preponderant evidence that the surgery is needed. Menningitis is a risk with sphenoid sinustis, but the doctor does not see an imminent risk on my CT scan and this is not likely to happen if I'm on medication. 2) It's a risky surgery. My ENT said it would be like having pituitary surgery all over again. Staying close to home would be most convenient, but not possible. If I stayed in Dallas the operation would involve a team of doctors who are not experienced in removing titanium mesh from the sphenoid/sella. I would be better off returning to my neurosurgeon in California. 3) A family of six traveling from Texas to California is costly and not easy. 3) Lack of time (I know - I could make time...) 4) Honestly, I'm scared to go back in surgery.
For more information on the history of my pituitary tumor: Click here.
