should i be worried?

[max666]

I had cranioivertabral surgery for chiari malformation on 28th july 2010. This was followed by a lumba shunt fitted 12 days ago. Im still having swelling and headaches. The swelling sometimes changes shape depending what position my body is in.  Sometimes  It feels like a big ball at the base of my skull into neck. Other times it feels flatter but spreads into my neck, face and shoulders. Does this mean that the shunt is not working. Am starting to think that this surgery has failed what is the next step??? Please help.

[n40066]

i'm so very sorry to hear that max!!!  what does your dr say?  did he give you a reason as to why you're having so many problems with the shunt?
elizabeth

[max666]

sorry not been on for a while ended up back in hosp to have shunt relocated. Its still not fixed me though. I have pseudomeningocele? and feel sick constantly. Have been advised just to wait and see how things settle down. Its been 2wks since last op and still feeling no better,i knew it was going to be hard but not as hard as it has been. Think ive just been unlucky xx

[max666]

went to the gp today to have staples out of spine and side. She said she is going to contact my surgeon and will phone me back to let me know what to do. Have been waiting for the phone call for 4hrs already!!!!!!!! Will keep you updated.xx

[selmaS]

Hi Maxine...I was unaware of the shunt....I am so sorry I was not on lately to know what was going on with u.

It may take some time for them to regulate the shunt...call ur dr and let him know how u r feeling.

And do keep us posted

"selma"

[n40066]

it sounds to me like you need to call your surgeon!  it does not appear that your shunt is working.  it sounds like a build up of csf.  are you having a lot of pain as well?  if you don't mind my asking, did you go to a chiari specialist to have your surgery done?  why was the shunt put in originallly?  is there a leak in your patch?  what kind of patch was used?