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Old 09-02-2017, 05:57 PM
mogeo mogeo is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2017
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5 yr Member
mogeo mogeo is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
5 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Norah95 View Post
I had my VP shunt 5 years ago in 2012 - only just found this site.
I had immediate and total relief from all the symptoms of the hydrocephalus that had developed as a complication of my acoustic neuroma but from day 1 after surgery I started getting intense abdominal cramps on and off- but several times a day to start with- like being stabbed. I am sure it was the CSF causing irritation because the location of the pain was directly related to my body position and where the liquid would drain to - so if I was standing or sitting I would be 'stabbed' upwards from my bowel or bladder area, if I lay down on my side the stabbing was under my ribs on the side I was lying on. I also had a very intense stabbing in my left shoulder which I believe is referred pain from diaphragm irritation. It can't be the end of the shunt tube as it moves around so much. I mentioned this on my first follow up appointment but wasn't taken seriously- they had never heard of this apparently. I'm pleased to report that the frequency of the cramp/stabbing reduced after a few months but I still get the shoulder pain once or twice a week and the abdominal stabbing pain perhaps once every 2-3 weeks. I am fit and well otherwise and can put up with it but for the few minutes it lasts it is totally intense and distracting. Has anyone else had this and have they ever had an explanation? Thanks
Yes I have. I had a VP shunt installed just oved a month ago. I have experienced very severe stabbing pain at times and, like you, depending on position. My neuro believes it is the tube rubbing up against various areas.
It is good to know it has subsided some for you as this is really hard to live with - it's difficult to go anywhere or make plans if I'm not sure I can do so and not have a pain attack.
I don't know of any other reason for this and neuro had no other explanation as everything looks good on the scans. Absolutely excellent neuro team by the way.
I can only hope both our journeys are made a little easier by less pain less often.
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