Hi everyone,
My name is Christy I am 38 years old and have had a Codman Programmable shunt surgery on the 12th of June. On monday they had to do a revision of my drain tube and catheter due to it no longer working properly. Doc said there was some pooling with infection that they had to remove upon relocation of my tube and catheter. Ever since monday I have been unable to stand up without an excrutiating headache. I can't look up with my eyes at all and there is some swelling in my temples and both sides of my head. I feel tightness in my neck and the swishing sounds and pounding are so loud in my ears I feel as though I am gonna go nuts from hearing them. My doc said he couldn't see me yesterday bc he was in surgery and I guess the 4th of July is more important than his patients as well. I have a neurologist but he hasnt even contacted me for a check up or follow up since my surgery. My neurosurgeon seems to be the only one who can see me and he is never available when I need him. What should I do. He has the controller to change the settings on my shunt and to me this is a scare thought since he is never around. I am scared because I don't know what is going on in my brain. Has anyone else had experience with this and if so please comment and give me your input and advice. I can only sit up for a few minutes at a time without extreme pain and nauseau and ringing in my ears. FEELING HELPLESS> I am supposed to have a cat scan in the morning and then see my neurosurgeon but I am afraid something bad may happen in the meantime. Thanks for any help!!

If you can't get connected with your drs, what about the emergency room?

If you have paperwork on the shunt / surgery info take it with you, but at the very least they could probably check for any serious issues.


You can do a search here for more "shunt" posts & threads by using the search link in my siggy.
Due to the holiday, a search might get you more info quickly.

I am trying to avoid ER because all they will do is admit me and put me in a room until the doc comes in the a.m. I will go if it gets any worse. But I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience and what the problem may be.

I would head to the ER. Anything to do with shunts or your brain shouldn't wait if you are experiencing such symptons. At least if you do that you will have peace of mind until you can be seen by your neurologist. Better safe than sorry. Let us know what you decide to do. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Christy,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

I will agree with ginnie, you should get to the ER and be safe.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.