Quote:
Originally Posted by NewToBlog
I would like to join your all in this forum. I also posted several comments in the forum about Laminectomy I had in 2010 (6 hour surgery) after which I developed a big pseudomeningocele in the low back area. In 2011, they addressed the pseudomeningocele (2 hour surgery). Just like in some cases I read in the Intrernet, my second scar is longer than the first one. They patched the torn dura and I was happy. Two days ago I had another MRI. The pceudomeningocele is back which means the fluid is still leaking or leaking again as the dura is torn... I have no idea what to do. I haven't talked to my neurosurgeon yet (he is fantastic!) No way I want another surgery. I wonder whether lumbar puncture would help to get the fuild out. Did anyone have those? I don't have the typical headaches that everybody experiences but I did faint 6 months ago and that was the main reason i decided to do my second surgery. I guess I can live with the sensations I constantly have in my head, but I don't want to be dragged to an emergency room if I faint in the street and people around wouldn't know what to do. Besides, I am concerned about those complications that huge pseudomeningoceles lead to.
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It sounds like you have the same problem I did. When they were in there for the 2nd surgery did they test your spinal fluid pressure? When I got my first leak my headaches weren't as bad as before the surgery, but the pressure was unbearable at times. When they tested my fluid initially I was at a 24. Once the fluid pressure was drained I went down to a 12. After they repaired the dura I did have a lumbar drain, which was incredibly painful. They scheduled a 20cc drain every 2 hours to take the pressure off the internal sutures for 2 days. I had to lay completely flat while it was draining which made the pain worse. 2 weeks after my surgery my pain came back full force, and my neurosurgeon admitted me that day. More MRI's confirmed the leak had returned and before they would do another surgery I had to get a spinal tap done. I laid flat on a very hard x-ray table( which was the hardest part since I could not turn my head from side to side) then they inserted a needle similar to when you have an epideral done. Once the needle was in my spine I had to turn on my side, and they inserted a small device into the needle to measure my pressure, which tested at a 29. After draining quite a bit of fluid my pressure only dropped to a 19. I had a csf shunt procedure later that afternoon. My shut was set to a 12, and a week or so later I had to be dropped down to a 9. I am currently at a 7. My advice would be to have the shunt done. As uncomfortable as it is at times, depending on how high your pressure gets, it can be very harmful to your brain an your everyday motor skills, along with a lot more health/physical problems. I am sorry to hear about your 2nd leak. I hope this helps and things work out for you!!