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!!