Hi All,

Just an update, as many of you know I had an LP shunt put in last May.  It worked briliantly for 4 months but unfortunately in SEptember in broke at the stomach part.  I had a revision done but two weeks later had awful low pressure headaches, dragging sensation in my neck and pain in my ears.  After months of battling with my neurosurgeon and neurologist they finally agreed to take it out.  I had it removed on the 7th January.  I felt much better within hours of it being removed.  Unfortunately 5 days later I came doen with gastric/vomit bug and internal infection.  That all settled down after two weeks.  At the end of lat week my neck became very sore and lower back like I had pulled muscles then I started to get tingling sensations in my hands and 3 fingers.  This got worse as the week went on so went to my gp yesterday.  He's sent me for an mri which I will have next week.  He thinks I might have a slipped disc, possibly due to having high pressure for so long, then going to low pressure for a number months and also drooping 35 pounds in 3 months.  To say I've been very down lately is understatement but with the love and support from family & friends.  I know I will get through this.  I can honestly say even after all I've been through I have no regrets about getting my shunt.  I tried it it wasn't for me. My head is alot better even with all the other pain that I have so I do feel my symptoms are alot better.  I will not let this defeat me whatever the outcome.  Have to stay positive and keep my spirits up.  Thank you all for your ongoing support xxxxx

Wow, certainly not the outcome I would have anticipated.  Are you on any IIH meds to help keep the pressure under control?  Any plans to do anything for the slipped disc?
Hopefully, now that the docs have a clearer idea of what is going on, you will receive proper, prompt care.  You deserve that!

Hopefully the MRI will shed some light on your symptoms. I'm so glad you've been able to keep your positive attitude through all of this..it really does help, and is a true inspiration! Thanks for keeping us posted..hope you feel better soon!!!!

  
Julie

Really hoped the shunt would work for you and I hope that you continue to improve as time goes on. I wonder if your weight loss has an impact on your shunt and pressure. The main thing is that your are in a good place now, and have kept such a positive attitude and have a great support unit. I think it is inspirational of you to tell others you don't regret having the shunt, even though it didn't work out for you. We will always be here for you and please keep coming back to let us know how you're doing.