I know, it's been a while, since, you've been here. For me, also!
Not sure, whether, you'll pop in, again, but, I really wanted to say, I really,
do understand how you feel. It really is scary when you have to have
something done, involving, the brain. I want you to know, I've been there.
I had my first shunt inserted when I was only, a few months old. I was born
with Spina Bifida, which, always, requires a shunt. Anyhow, I just want
you to know, shunt surgery *can* be *extremely* successful!! Again, I had my 1st surgery at a few months old. My 2nd surgery, (a revision,) wasn't needed, until, I was nine!! And that was only, because, I was getting taller, so, my shunt was shrinking. It wasn't because, there was a problem. The shunt does get shorter as the person grows. Therefore,
the number of revisions depends, on, how tall the person will get. I can tell you, I haven't had *any* problem, since, I was nine and, I'm 44, now!! So, I really want you to know, having a shunt inserted can be a very successful and, relatively, simple surgery!! Hope I've helped!!

Phyllis