Recovery After Insulinoma Surgery
Hello everyone, I’m a 46-year-old male, a non-smoker and currently not on any medication. Recently, I was troubled by episodes of racing heartbeats and visual disruptions. When I consulted with my physician, a quick blood test indicated a glucose level of 2.6. After several months of unexplained hypoglycemia and a series of hospital evaluations, I received a diagnosis of insulinoma, which was initially revealed through a CT scan and later confirmed via a PET scan. Interestingly, while my insulin levels were normal, my proinsulin levels were elevated, making my case quite unusual within the insulinoma spectrum. The tumor was removed through a distal pancreatectomy. Remarkably, I experienced an improvement immediately after the operation; for five days, all of my symptoms—such as heart palpitations, visual issues, and post-meal blood sugar crashes—vanished completely. However, two weeks post-surgery, although my blood glucose levels are stable, the visual disturbances and palpitations have returned. I wonder if anyone has faced a similar situation? Did your symptoms resolve completely after surgery, or did they linger for some time?
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 4:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging journey with your insulinoma diagnosis and subsequent surgery. While it’s reassuring that your glucose levels are stable after the operation, it’s understandably concerning that your visual disturbances and palpitations have returned.
Summary of Key Points:
- You recently underwent a distal pancreatectomy for an insulinoma.
- Post-surgery, you initially saw a significant improvement in symptoms.
- Two weeks after surgery, some symptoms have returned despite stable blood glucose levels.
Understanding Your Situation:
After surgery for insulinoma, improvements can often happen quickly as your body adjusts to the removal of the tumor. However, lingering symptoms like palpitations and visual disturbances can occur for several reasons:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Your body may still be adjusting to changes in insulin and other hormones post-surgery.
- Autonomic Nervous System Response: Symptoms such as palpitations can stem from the body's nervous system reacting to the surgery or potential stress.
- Other Underlying Conditions: It's also possible that the symptoms are related to other health issues, which may need investigation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the palpitations and visual disturbances occur. Note what you were doing before the onset of symptoms, your emotional state, and any meals consumed.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Regularly: Ensuring you maintain stable blood sugar levels is crucial. Regular meals and snacks high in complex carbohydrates and protein can help stabilize your energy levels.
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Relaxation Techniques: Consider incorporating stress-reduction practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga, which could help with palpitations aggravated by stress.
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Follow Up with Your Healthcare Provider: It's essential to discuss the return of your symptoms with your doctor. They may suggest additional tests to rule out other potential causes or manage your symptoms more effectively.
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Consider a Nutritionist: Meeting with a specialist can give you tailored advice on managing your diet post-surgery, which may aid in symptom relief.
Please know that your experience is valid and common; others have had similar situations post-surgery. It's essential to approach your recovery holistically, incorporating both medical follow-ups and self-care strategies. Keep me updated on your progress or if you have further questions!
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