_{Dawna's IIH Success}

I would have to say that I have been fortunate as well. I was diagnosed in 2002, when I went to a routine eye appointment. I had suffered from migraines all my life but was always told to suck it up it is just a heache and it runs in the family (the headaches). I was referred to the opth in 02 and neurology, then had a spinal tap done my opening pressure was high but my papiladema was not too terrible. They tried diamox but I did not do well with it. So they decided to trat me with a blood pressure pill. I was fine all the way from 02 until 07 then out of the blue my papiladema and everything else under the dun shot through the roof. It was littlerally over night. After countless doctors visits (no one could figure out what was wrong with me even with a pre-existing condition) I finally saw the right doctors and they set me up for emergency VP Shunt surgery. I was in the hospital for 5 days and found out that my Neuro surgeon is rated number one in my area. I also found out that my Neuro eye doctor specializes in my condition. His eye apts are anywhere from 6 to 8 hours long. I have to take a lunch break while a dialate. I have been great ever since my surgery, have not had to do any more spinal taps had a couple of CT scans and Xrays just to be sure everything is ok. I have occasional headaches but I think they are just normal headaches nothing at all like before. I am so happy that I stumbled apon the doctors that I have.

That's fantastic!! Thank you so much for sharing your success with us, I'm sure it will help a lot of the other members,

Heidi

Your story is awesome, Dawna! Thank you for sharing it. Gives a lot of hope to me and many others.

Hi Dawna! :hello:

I just came across your story, and it made me so happy to see that you have managed to get your Intracranial Hypertension under control. Congratulations also on getting the best care from the specialist neurosurgeon - that was a mighty stroke of luck!

I hope you are still doing well today, and I hope you continue to be fine for a long long time

Stop by and say hi sometime and let us know how you are getting along!

So pleased to hear of your success

Melissa :flower:

Dawna

I've been having serial LPs for close to 10 years. They used to get me by for a few months but now are not lasting weeks. My biggest issue is the pain. At best it's moderate but it is severe much of the time. Rarely do meds help with the pain. My neurologist really believes that I will benefit by shunt surgery as I am 50 and the LPs are no longer providing sustained relief.

I actually sought out this doctor years ago because he had the highest reputation in our area with headache treatment. He is practices and teaches for the University of Florida Shands Medical Center as does the neurosurgeon that I have met with. I have profound confidence with my neurologist and I felt comfortable with the neurosurgeon that he referred me to.

When I look online there are numerous You Tube links that show nothing but horror stories when you search for "VP Shunt Procedure". I am leaning towards having the procedure but the idea of passing a catheter through my brain scares me to death although I've never been afraid of past orthopedic and abdominal surgery.

It would be much appreciated if you could provide more insight on the procedure from a patient perspective.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

Sorry I just saw this post haven't been on here in a while. When I went in I did not have an option and I was scared to death to have the procedure besides the fact that I had no idea what they were going to do.
They placed a VP shunt a few years ago and as of today I haven't had any complications. They placed the one that is not adjustable and it does not have any metal in it. I saw all of the horrifying youtube videos after I had the surgery I don't know what I would have done it I would have seen them before the surgery. If you have more specific questions it is probably best if you email me directly.

Dawna

The site will not allow me to send a private message during the first week of joining. Kindly send your email to me through a private message and I will reply directly by email.

Kindest regards

Mark