Headache: Need advice
 

First of all I want to say hi to everybody as this is my first post. I have had a vp shunt since I was 3 months old and had a complete replacement in 2000 when I was 8, due to scar tissue forming on the coil of tubing in my abdomen. So, it's been 12 years since anything has been done to it. It has also been about 2 years since I've had a CT scan to check on it.

Another thing that might be important is that when I was 8, I was in the hospital for 7 days after the surgery. They said it was longer than normal.

Now that you know the background, I have a question about the current state of my shunt. About 2 weeks ago I unexpectedly felt nauseous and vomited. Afterwards I felt fine, but was not hungry for the rest of the day. Last week I skipped a few meals because I had absolutely no appetite. Since Monday I have felt nauseous most of the time and have had very little to eat for fear it could just come back up. Plus, I just haven't been that hungry. Starting around Tuesday evening I got the familiar headache I had when I was 8. It hasn't been too overwhelming, and sort of gets worse and better during the day. It's mostly pressure around the incision on the top right side of my head. Also, the the tube in my neck feels as if it is stretching. Not sure how well I explained that but I hope you get the idea.

So, my question is: what do you think I should do about it?

Also, I am in college far away from home so I am not sure who to contact if I have a problem.

Thanks!

Get it checked out
 

My advice to you is to take it seriously. Don't blow it off...I understand you are a busy college student and classes are stressful. The last thing your parents want is a phone call from a hospital in the middle of the nite. If anything I would go and have the pressure in the shunt checked to see if it is normal. As for the apetite issues I really dont know but if that was a warning sign for you as a child then I would say it may be a warning now. My advise is to go to get it checked. Even if it is nothing at least then you will know and that worry can go away. IF you need someone to talk to I am a good listener and I hope this helps. Let me know what happens if you want.