Weight-lifting and exercise with shunt
 

Ive had a shunt since birth. I'm 42 years old. I've had a couple of revisions. My question is this: Is weight-lifting dangerous? I'm not planning on bulking up, but I always wondered about the straining of the muscles and the possible stress on the tube itself. Just wondered if anyone had any experience there.

I've often wondered the same thing, let me know what you find out... since I am ready to get back into the gym. I've weight lifted (lightly) and it caused me some discomfort. I am somewhat of a weakling, I think stenuous weight lifting maybe could cause some issue,

My 21 year old son has been shunted since shortly after birth. He exercises daily. He does both aerobic and weight lifting. While he was in school he tool weightlifting classes. He was able to keep up with the routines and has continued weightlifting at the gym. He has been fairly active for the last few years and fortunately never had any problems associated to his exercising. In any case, if you have not been active for a while, it is always smart to start slow and build up your routines gradually.

Just be careful!
 

I had a shunt replacement surgery in place for only about a month, I'm 56 years old by the way. I decided I could expedite my healing by getting back to the gym. Mind you I lift weights, nothing too heavy but still. I started slowly of course and felt great. I decided to up my bench press just to 100 Lbs. Still not too much but enough as to it popped the shunt loose in my abdomen. I actually felt a pop inside my stomach and knew something had happened. It didn't hurt and believe it or not I forgot about it. A few weeks later a growth started occurring right at my rib line. Long story short, it continued growing. I had to go back and have the shunt repositioned. No fun but I learned a lesson. Take it slowly if you are lifting at least. I'm now watching my diet more and walking at least for the next few months. Good Luck.