Cushing's Info

In the process of trying to pass a couple of large kidney stones the CT also located a tumor on my left adrenal gland.  Shortly after having the stones lazered, I insisted that the doctors that were treating the prolactinoma (located 3 months prior) and the thyroid nodes, attempt to answer questions about the adrenal tumor.

I did some internet research and everything pointed to Cushings syndrome.  One of the frustrating issues is that this tumor was actually located on a CT scan done back in 2001 but it sent up no red flags with my medical professionals so there it sat, growing steadily, until this spring.  The discovery of this tumor (for the second time) still did not raise any red flags.  I had to push to get the cortisol and ACTH tests done.

To get from diagnosis to surgery is a long story of cluster f#@&ks, dropped balls and many, many bills.  I finally had my surgery on May 24th.  I was assured that this surgery would be laperoscopic and I would be home the next day, back to work in a week.  WRONG!!!  Apparently the surgeon bit off more than he could chew.  Had to cut me open (10" incision, 25 staples) and I spent (8) days in the ICU, (13) days total in the hospital, had (2) blood transfusions and ended up with pneumonia.  The numerous techniques the hospital staff found to try to kill me now border on comical (now that I've escaped their clutches).  I escaped the hospital before the surgeon was satisfied I was well enough, but I decided I'd better get out of there before they succeeded in putting me out of their misery.  I came home still treating the pneumonia and sporting (3) drain bags.

So, I'm (6) weeks post-surgery and am still having quite a bit of pain and fatigue.  The only significant positive physical change I've noticed is that my blood pressure has dropped a bunch and I've lost 40 lbs.  The weight loss can be contributed to the fact that nothing tastes right and I get nauseated every time I eat.  I can eat fresh fruit and instant rice noodles with a light broth.

How long should my recovery take?  I want to be feeling spunky when I sue the surgeon and the hospital for their incredible incompetence (the list of which is too long to detail here).