[Nursenicole103180]

Just wondering how long I should expect my head to be really sore for? To touch any part of the right side of head near the shunt, not just near the incisions, hurts... Alot.

[pogo]

So did your appt with the nurse answer things regarding this type of pain or have things changed?

Usually right after surgery I'm most concerned with infection. The early period after surgery is when most infections might appear, but they can happen up to six months later (very rare after that) - so you should ask what symptoms should cause you to come in and which symptoms should have you call them. If worried about an infection, do not let someone tell you that checking your blood is a way to catch a csf infection (because it isn't always enough). Note you should not get a csf culture done unless an infection is a serious possibility (since an LP or shunt tap can cause an infection). After infection, I'm concerned with valve failure - a good percentage of shunts fail within the first two years. So the first few anniversaries after surgery is like a relief. Many revisions my child has had are not due to outright obstructions but are pressure related (like having the wrong valve). So if things aren't right, you might consider asking if an adjustment might help - if they gave you an adjustable valve.

My daughter has always felt good after a revision (have had four) but dealing with over draining is pretty crappy and surgeon isn't likely to revise if she isn't outright losing motor skills or clearly will improve.