cheer

Hey everybody,
Just an update, I got my shunt about five days ago and I do feel better. I was considering a VP Shunt because of the neet non surgical adjustable valve. My Neurosurgeon said that for whatever reason in the IIH brain the ventricles sometimes collapse around the valve. Interesting. LP seemed nicer since it isn't brain surgery and all. I was scared that with the LP shunt it would make me plagued with low pressure headaches.

I am pretty sure that the surgery hurt, but I was asleep, I know it hurt when I woke up. So far I am bruised and sore but have a few interesting observations
-My polyneuropathy is better
It used to be that my feet were painfully numb before I even got out of bed in the morning. I can't find any connection between polyneuropathy and IIH (optic nerve not accounted); so I was very surprised that I wasn't in so much pain anymore.

- No swishy sound and reduced tinnitus
so glad that that sound was gone, I would be very glad to have no tinnitus but this is good too.

-Reduced spots and I don't feel like my vision is deteriorating everyday
Since I can't take any medication for IIH this was my only option to save my vision. Usually elevation changes cause dark spots in my vision that seems to not be so bad.

I guess we will seen how I feel in another week. While surgery is a not very pleasant expirience, there is already improvement. Thank you to everyone I quizzed about shunts and to everybody else because this support group helps me feel connected to people who know that it is all about what matters on the inside and that it doesn't matter if I look sick.

:joker:

Krystyn I am so so happy for you! It is so heartwarming to know that things are improving for you and that you are in a good place. I know exactly how you feel and are you still pinching yourself to check you aren't dreaming?

Were you still able to get a programmable valve? 'my lp shunt has one.

So glad you are feeling better already!!

Thank You!!! I haven't pinched myself Im still really sore so there is enough pain to let me know Im not dreaming lol. But I guess its only been a week lol.

I didn't get a programmable valve, my neuro team didn't even mention it.... Im glad to know they exist, I guess I will have to push for it in the future. Otherwise, all is well in the land of the shunted.

How long did recovery take for everyone?

:well done That's great news Krystyn! They usually say 4-6 weeks to recover from surgery, but adjustment varies. It's a good sign that you immediately noticed changes & should really just continue to improve. Just remember to pace yourself & give your body time to heal.

Wishing you continued relief & a speedy recovery!
Julie

i had a vp shunt 6 weeks ago and i am back to my old mad ways now [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]