I have a four year old boy who just had his 4th shunt revision (6th surgery) on Tuesday, 3/26. He is still having significant head/eye pain and nausea when his pain meds wear off. He is absolutely fine when the medicine is in full effect but as soon as it starts wearing off he is miserable. I called the neurosurgeon for more pain meds and they said to start giving tylenol if possible, that he really should not be in significant pain 3 days post op. I gave him tylenol and within 45 minutes he was WAY worse.

What does this sound like to you guys? His previous 5 surgeries were as an infant and he did not need pain meds for very long- maybe 3-4 doses at the most? Any info would be appreciated- trying to avoid the ER if at all possible. He was extremely traumatized by the surgery and subsequent hospital stay, trying not to subject him to "precaution" ER visit. (I will not hesitate to take him if necessary, however!)

thanks in advance!

My husband just had his shunt placed in Oct 2012 so we r new to this, but his Neurosurgeon's office said to be concerned for nausea and vomiting. I would page the on call number and talk to the Dr on call. they will probably want him to go in though. hope all goes well. GOD Bless!!

From my experiences as a child, I can not recall ever coming out of a revision, still having symptoms ( ie: nausea and especially a headache) unless, there was still an issue. On several occasions, I had to have 2 and sometimes 3 revisions before my issues (disconnections, occlusions, kinks etc.) were corrected. Do not let this alarm you, as this was several years ago, and these occasions were rare. Usually, a couple days post-op, i was/am raring to go! It does surprise me though, that after contacting the Drs office, they did not want to see your little boy ASAP. Like you, I also despise using the ER but, if that's what it takes to get an updated CT and x-ray, it may be worth a shot. All in all, you are mom and know your little boy best. Follow your instinct and keep digging until you get the answers he needs.

bethaning~ Is your little boy feeling better?