I am posting this in hopes that it will be encouragement to others who are living with VP shunts for hydrocephalus. I know many people have numerous surgeries/revisions during their lifetime, something I have been fortunate enough to avoid. My VP shunt was put in on December 29, 1993 when I was 40 years old. I am now 56 and had a series of x-rays and a CT scan on October 8th. because it had been 14 years since my last scan. A follow-up visit with my new neurosurgeon on October 23rd. was a very quick visit, as all news was good. The shunt looks fine, tubing is all still connected, and my ventricles have not changed in size since my last CT, which was done in 1995! I really like my new doctor--I had to find a new one because I moved to another state. He told me that even though my shunt is an "antique," if it's working fine, there's no need to "fix it." I am relieved with this news. I just wanted to let people know that although some shunts fail, some don't, as in my case. For anyone here who has just been diagnosed and received their first shunt, have hope that you will be one of the fortunate ones. As for all of you who have had to undergo numerous surgeries, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for letting me share my good news with all of you.
Gabriel's Life » General
Good News!
(12 posts)
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Posted 9 months ago #
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My last check up on my shunt was done in August 2007. I know I should have it checked every couple years. Unfortunately, When I was told I was not a dependent of my father from the military due to working Part time from a General of the Air Force I was not able to find a new doctor.
Now over the summer of 2009, I received a letter from my fathers Health Care Provider, and because I am under his family plan still, apparently I am still covered. Which I found to be really strange.
In 2007, my MRI/CT scans showed everything was normal after four years from my first revision. I am also now in San Antonio, trying to get a new Identification card for the Military Tricare so I can get another Checkup soon. I do not want another problem to occur like what happened to me in Louisiana while at work.
However this Time I am ready with an Emergency Plan in place if it does happen at work.
Posted 9 months ago # -
My shunt is sixteen years old and only one revision so far for new tubing.
Posted 9 months ago # -
PMBlind--
Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I wish you many more years with your current shunt and no revisions!
Posted 9 months ago # -
You stole the sun from my heart
I have
Abercrombie and FitchPosted 7 months ago # -
Whooooo hooooo!! I was starting to feel very alone, I've only had one surgery as well which was 18 years ago!! No complications either...
It's an oldie but a goodie!! lol
Posted 6 months ago # -
Congrats - this is wonderful news and we need more of that at our house. I can't wait to tell my husband :) Thanks for sharing.
Posted 6 months ago # -
After 15 years (and no follow ups) I had to have a shunt revision/replacement done this year due to a blockage. They have now placed a new VP Valve Strata 1.5 Magnetic in but I have had nausea since.
I was reading the Hydrocephalus site and it says you should have regular Neuro Surgeon check ups, here in New Zealand these don't happen.Posted 4 months ago # -
Sheryll--
I'm sorry to hear about your nausea symptoms. Have your doctors been able to tell you what is causing it? Overdrainage, underdrainage or something else? I will be the first to admit that I went for about 10 years without having any neuro exams, which was probably not too smart. I was feeling great and didn't feel the need. If you read my post above, it details my most recent visit for a going over and all was well. It's unfortunate that you can not get a follow-up visit with a neurosurgeon in your country. Is this due to government-run healthcare or lack of a specialist in your area? I hope you can find a doctor who can help you determine the cause of your nausea and get you some relief.
Posted 4 months ago # -
It is only been since my last replacement/new magnetic shunt put in in Feb that I have had the nause problem. I do have a check up with the Neuro surgeon next week when he comes up to where I live (which is only about every 6-8 weeks I think) so I will see what he says.
Here where I live there is no permanent neuro surgeon in town. They don't seem to be too worried when you are well, hence no regular check ups in the past.Posted 4 months ago # -
Over the last two weeks I have now experienced huge headaches and haven't been able to go to work. Worse when up and about. I went for my neuro surgeon outpatients check up yesterday and he was able to view a CT scan that I had done the day before. It showed shunt was working too well. Draining too much fluid and possibly too quickly and this was causing the headaches. Valve was altered up a level and he said I should start to feel better in couple of days. I am keeping my fingers cross all will come right. I am to contact the NeuroSurgeon direct if don't come right.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Sheryll--I'm glad to hear that you have been to the doctor and found the cause of your headaches. I hope the valve adjustment will prevent this from happening again and that you are feeling better. Take care.
Posted 4 months ago #
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