Colloid Cyst/Brain Shunt
 

Hello All
I became a member in April of '07 as soon as I found out I had a colloid cyst and had it removed. The tumor was removed 100% and all was well. Then about a month later I started getting the headache again that I had before the surgery. After suffering with it for about a half a day I called the surgeon and they sent me back to the ER. Once there (or should I say 7 hours later!) I got a new CT scan and lo and behold! Where the tumor had been removed built up so much scar tissue during healing that it sealed off the ventricle again! So, I now have a permanent shunt in the brain.
Now, I was never told this was a possibility and only after it happened was I told it "sometimes" happens. Has anyone else ever had this happen? What are the pro's and con's of having the permanent shunt? Please, I would love to hear from all that have a brain shunt and the experiences, both good and bad, that I may expect! I do know the shunt surgery was by far worse than the original tumor removal as far as the pain level and the healing is going. I am just curious though if I will be able to see this tubing running down my neck and chest for the rest of my life, what happens if I get in an accident and damage this tubing? Will the back of my head always feel like there is a huge wad of something underneath my skin? Please, please help!
Thanks so much!

Hello ms Holly Have sent a message before not quite sure whether it got through but
I have been throught the same many years ago I have permanent shunt tube fitted behind my ear down my neck into chest I actually now after many years work on the buildings handyman and carry on life as normal as possible (not trying to lift heavy things though or get to tired)
I still get days when my memory is crap and days when my head feels full but in general have managed a normal life in the last twenty years very few visits to the hospital,even though many situations have changed a great deal it is great to meet somebody whom has had the same ops as me and can discuss various good and bad days

Graham Young

Hey, Holly. :)

I have always had hydrocephalus and a shunt, and this one is 27 years old and doing wonderfully. :) I don't have any type of cyst, but I know that shunts help many colloid cyst patients. If you have any doubts, get another opinion, but I can tell you that my shunt has allowed me to live a completely full life. :)


LIZARD :)

colloid cyst/craniotomy/brainshunt
 

Hello all,
My brother just underwent a craniotomy for extraction of a colloid cyst of the third ventricle on Dec 11, 2007 after experiencing 1 week of Hydrocephalus. After a few days, while in ICU, he improved but he began to experience Hydrocephalus again and then they needed to put a temporary drain. After another few days that improved, the drain was removed and after 18 days in ICU, he was transferred to the regular floor. He is improving day to day. He's forgetful and everyday we go over a lot of different things with him. It's a challenge. Hopefully in the next few days he will be transferred to rehabilitation to obtain Physical Therapy as well as other therapies. I would like to know if your memory comes back fully or is it still a struggle? Can you return back to your normal life and work and drive? Very concerned sister.

Kooky:grouphug:

Hey, Kooky. :)

Memory--particularly short-term--with hydro is a lifelong issue, but there are tricks that can help. I use a lot of association and visuals. I write important things down and try to keep belongings I use frequently in the same place so I know where they are at all times. The severity of memory issues depends on a bunch of variables--cause of the hydro, promptness and effectiveness of treatment, any complications, etc. If he's had an infection or other type of insult to the brain, that will likely make it more of a problem.

Is he currently under the care of a neurosurgeon who is well-trained and exeprienced in hydro? If not, a second opinion would be a good idea.

I hope this is helpful to you. :) Please PM me if I can answer any questions for you.


LIZARD :)