VP Shunt

[Sargmomof3]

I'm a 35 yr old woman dxd with psuedotumor cerebri and chiari I with thyroid issues (noduels and cysts) yet to be determined.  My NS wants to do a VP shunt due to the increased pressure in my head.  I just heard about someone in the hospital since Nov 7th from a shunt surgery (not sure what happened) and that made me even more scared.  I haven't scheduled anything yet.  The headaches are often: laughing kills me, change of position, cough, blow my nose, straining of any sort, exertion of any sort.  Needless to say, life kinda stinks right now because I can't seem to do anything without getting a headache.  I also have increased memory loss, I'm a writer by nature and have lost my words, I get dizzy a lot, can't walk a straight line without holding on to something, eyes lose focus more than ever.  That is the small list.  I've lost 15 pounds (I am considered overweight) but my symptoms have caused alarm to my NS which is why he wants to do the VP shunt.  Any thoughts?  Good, bad or ugly?  thanks!

[selmaS]

  I can put u in touch with a few that have shunts if that is what u r looking for, the problem is u can't compare what they went thru with what u may face...it may be completely different....

U have to really trust ur NS and u say u love him, then that is who u need to talk to....once u know this is what u need, and this is the right Dr, it will all fall into place for u : )

[Sargmomof3]

Selma,
I hope and pray she is ok.  I know there are always other things going on besides what we read on here.  That story isn't my determining factor-was scared beforehand.  I've taken the meds and lost some weight but the pressure has increased.  So a shunt is the next step.  Just nervous about it and looking for someone who had that shunt before anything else.  I love my NS and am very comfortable with him.  Trust him completely.
Thank you!!  :)

[selmaS]

  Hi....the other member also has EDS and that is complicating things for her....this is y on  the Chiari forum I always say to be sure u r tested b4 surgery as it can affect recovery...they knew going into this surgery, but it had to be done as it was a revision ...she had a shunt that was clogged....

I am sure her issues r more to do with EDS pain management and her arteries collapsing....

We do have others with shunts and did not have the same issues...u can not compare urself to others not knowing all the details...we are all diff and respond diff....not having surgery bcuz u r scared will not help u either....research the NS's and see a couple of them and go with the one u feel most comfortable with...those with ICP can try meds, if they do not help a shunt is the next step.

Hope this helps clear that up for u, and sorry that scared u