Hi,
Got my Lp shunt 10 days ago. All is going well I think. Low pressure headaches have eased alot in the last few days and I able to get up and move about. My vision has been perfect since op and I;ve had no whosshing or tinnitus sounds either
Got my stitches out today. Slight infection in the stomach ones but nothing to worry about. Just a few questions you might be able to answer for me

1- My right is stil quite tense and I feel like I have a stitch alot of the time. Is this normal and how long does it last.
2- I find when I am sat upright for awhile my stomach starts to feel real full as if I've just eaten too much. My appetite isn't great at the moment.
3- at what stage will the low pressure headaches stop. They have eased quite a bit and I know it is stil early days. I'm just looking forward to the days when they will stop

Thanks in advance

xxxxxx

I'm glad to hear everything went well and you're feeling better! Unfortunately, it all really varies. You need to give yourself a good 4-6 weeks for incisions and everything to heal, but the insides and CSF levels can take much longer. I had catheter and valve replaced for my LP shunt last year..they told me to give my stomach 6 months to heal and at least that long for my body to adjust to new levels. Of course they removed old stuff and put in new, so that's probably longer than you'll need.

1-I think it's normal to feel tension and tenderness in your abdomen..they do a lot of work placing the long catheter in there, so your body will need time to heal. Sometimes it feels like stitches are pulling because of the way they heal. Make sure your surgeon is aware, but it usually passes.
2-You probably have swelling and possibly some remaining gas from when they pumped your stomach up for surgery, especially if you haven't been moving around much. It should ease up the more you start to move around. Again, let your surgeon know if it becomes bothersome.
3-The low pressure headaches really depend on how much spinal fluid was lost during surgery and how quickly your body tends to recuperate. Try drinking fluids with a lot of caffeine and lay flat when you're resting..I would think you would start noticing a difference soon. If not, call the surgeons office to see if they have any recommendations or concerns.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more specific, but hopefully some of this at least put your mind at ease...you just need some good old fashioned rest and relaxation!

Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!
Julie

Wow, what relief!  I agree about that shoulder and neck pain.  And now it's gone.  Wonderful news!!

That's great news I am so pleased that your recovery is going so well, and that you are noticing the difference.

I'm glad you're finding some relief..it is great news!!!