Hydrocephalus/VP shunt problems

[briah]

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus a bit later in life than most patients with it, I was diagnosed at age 12 (1999). Last year, I became pregnant unknowingly which increased my ICP, and a VP shunt was placed. As of lately (the last two months) I've had excruciating headaches.. every day, and numerous ER visits later, only to be diagnosed with a migrane. However, the last ER visit I was finally given something else, that some patients with VP shunts have 'shunt headaches'. I've never heard of this, and never had anyone else tell me anything about a 'shunt headache'. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I've been told to look into pain management but have no insurance, so I think I'm out of luck until I can get some.. I'm debating on having the entire shunt removed. Could this even be an option? I just really need some help with this, I can't keep living in pain like this.

[3candy]

I'm a 18 year old with a VP shunt. I'm currently having neck pain, hot urine and hot stools. I also can't see properly out of my left eye. Is this a shunt problem? Also, I have difficulty walking and get headaches when I go in stores.

[AlabamaGirl1980]

I have hydrocephalus and had my shunt put in 4 years ago. I have had no problems with the shunt itself but I do get headaches still. But if I drink a little alcohol it goes away. The docs will not remove a shunt because you will die if you don't have it. I almost died before I had my shunt put in. I quit breathing twice so I'm glad I have my shunt. :-)... It's keeping me alive

[misty_1515]

I also have a vp shunt i get bad head aches and pain on the right side where ther shunt is placed and every time i laugh cough sneeze lift anything yell get stressed it hurts bad feels like my head is going to explode but only on the right side does anyone else have these problems ? i have the vp shunt and a spinal shunt....

[raggadyann337]

I'm a 45 year old female I have had my vp shunt since 1995. My shunt is turned off now. I keep having shunt headaches. My neurosurgeon Dr John D Day is my doctor. He called me today and told me he is taking the shunt out on January 23, 2013. He thinks I have a leak somewhere in the shunt. The only thing I have had revision on this shunt is tubing on top and a programmable valve put in. Its on the left side of my brain. I sure hope this works Dr Day taking it out. Cause I'm tired laying flat for the low pressure.I will let everyone know how I do. Its very rare they take a shunt out. But I'm rare. they still might have put another one in.

[nefsite]

I originally had a VP shunt put on the right side of my head at birth due to hydrocephalus. Then at age 6 (1983) I had a shunt revision and it was put on the left side of my head. I have had no problems with it since then. After reading comments I feel I am very fortunate.

[Threewheelmobile]

Hi Luv,
I am sorry to hear about this problem you are having, it sounds all to familiar to me.  My suggestion is to go see a homeopathic doctor or physical therapist.  They have a machine that is called accupunture with electrodes. It is almost painless and you can get more answers that way. I found out that eating potatoes were not good for hydropahelus patient nor is aubergines. They hold fluids in our body. I don't know about you but my body has been holding all its fluids. My head is the worst place with the highest concentration of fluids. However I could not urinate at all or very little , so my right kidney was not working properly nor was my liver. It worked twice as much at night making me need to go to the toilet at night. Hence not getting enough sleep and feeling grumpy.
Good luck and God be with you.

Luv from 3wheelmobile