I had surgery last month...

[KimR]

where they removed 40% of my facial neuroma which was up against my brainstem. After the surgery my sugar was elevated and they had to give me insulin several times while in the hospital. I'm not diabetic. Has this happened to anyone else? I also notice that now I have a metallic taste in my mouth only on the tumor side.

Thanks for any replies and hope everyone is doing well!

Kim

[Tod]

Kim,

My memories of my time in ICU are a bit fuzzy, but I think I recall that insulin was one of the frequent injections I received, however, I was in ICU for two weeks. I had something of a metallic taste for a few weeks, but then again, I couldn't taste much of anything (I still can't taste most sugars). I don't believe the metallic taste is uncommon.


Tod

[Cheryl R]

Kim, The reason you got the insulin is because steroids can raise the blood sugars even if one is not diabetic.      There is a state that one can be pre diabetic and your sugars during normal life can be just barely elevated and you have the potential in the future to be diabetic so do have it checked in the future.         Years ago an elevated blood surgar was over 120,     Now they consider over 100 to be pre diabetic but it can take some time before one is really a diabetic, if they end up being one.   
                                                  Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

I had steroids in the hospital and my blood test was strange too, but not strange enough to warrant insulin.  But then again, I only had a dose or two of steroids for very slight facial paralysis post op.

The metallic taste is normal.  I had it for at least six months before it finally went away.  Try zinc - which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't but either way won't harm you.

Jan

[nteeman]

When I was in the hospital they monitored my blood sugar while I was on steroids post-op, and at one time I needed an insulin injection. I remember thinking how it was the least painful shot I ever got. After that one time I did not need it again even though I was still on the 'roids for about 14 days after I was released from the hospital. I couldn't wait to be off the 'roids and I felt much better once I was.  But everybody is different.

-Neal

[Jim Scott]

Kim ~

I spent 4 days in the ICU post-surgery (due to a bed shortage, I was fine).  My blood sugar was checked at least once per day.  There was never a problem.  Once again, we see that every AN patient is unique and has a slightly different hospital/recovery experience.  I believe the metallic taste will eventually subside and disappear.  Unfortunately, that can't be positively guaranteed and if it does, as I expect, no one can say exactly when that will occur. 

Jim

[skamper]

I didn't get insulin or steroids after my surgery.  I still have the metallic taste though.  Some hours of the day are far worse than others depending on what I eat and drink.  It gets very frustrating sometimes.  I always feel like I burnt my tongue.

Sorry I can't help you with the insulin question.
Susan

[Shan1014]

Hi,

I did get my blood sugar tested a couple times a day but don't recall needing insulin or not. This aren't very clear for me on those days   I don't recall a metallic taste in my mouth at all. But through the whole lead up to surgery and after, half of my tongue is numb and feels like it has been burnt.  Not sure if this helped at all.  Take care of yourself and be well.
Shannon

[jaylogs]

I too was a bit fuzzy during my time in the hospital, but now that I think about it I did have to do a round of insulin to bump up my blood sugar...but I think I only got one treatment.
Jay