My baby is going in for a VP shunt.. advice please!
 

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum. My daughter is turning a year this week, actually the day that she is scheduled to go in for her vp shunt. She was born 2 months premature and developed hydrocephalus after birth. The ventricles have been enlarging and even though they have recently stopped the doctors think that they will continue to increase and cause her problems. It seems like we have no other choice but to shunt her. Our daughters path is uncertain as she has a progressive muscular disorder but the doctors have said that they think this procedure has more benefits than risks. We have just read a lot of horrible stories about shunts and it worries us.

We are hoping to learn from your experiences and any advice that you may have, and also what we can expect after surgery.

Thank you very much, Amanda :)
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Hi, im so sorry to hear about your little girl :(
I agree you do hear many horrible stories about shunts and malfunctioning, but a shunt malfunctioning will be no worser off than your little girl will be without having a shunt.
Without a shunt, pressure may just build and build. When a shunt malfunctions it doesnt drain off much fluid or doesnt drain of any at all, and well of course not having the VP shunt at all will be equivalent to a non functioning shunt fullstop.

Good luck, im guessing the operation has taken place by now, but just to reassure you that you have made the right decision :)
All the very best
Jade :)

If she can avoid shunt, wait and see. I had one installed in Sept 2010 and wish I didn't It is a pediatrics one that is adjustable. It is still bothersome and I have developed lack of balance. Get a second opinion first, and only do it if you have to