My friend is not much better after having the shunt done. In fact she is worse in some areas. She now does not have any control of her bowels along with the bladder now &i s not able to follow through on things. I cant remember the exact term but for example she cant bend at the knees when attemping to go on the toilet or does not know what to do with her body when she goes to get into bed, very strange. Almost as though she cant remember how or what to do.
These a just a few of the things we have found she is struggling with.
Her surgoen stated the shunt can be adjusted & I am wondering if this will help her. She has a follow up on monday of next week. Per reqeust of her homecare nurse we tried to get her in early but the surgeon was booked. I am really worried as the only thing that seems to be abit better is her balance & still she does not know to watch out for things so she will trip on anything if its in her way.
She is off her namenda & her mood seems to be better & she is more social. I cant say there is a differece in anything else.
I am wondering if anyone knows if the surgeon adjusts the shunt can it help improve some of these things? I feel so bad she went through all of this & there is no improvement for the most part. I appreciate any opinions. Thanks, Sammy
I am so sorry this operation was not a great success. I hope maybe it will improve with time. It is such a sad situation. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Martha, we got through to the surgeon & her recent Ct shows that there is still fluid. He also said this can take time to drain, so we are taking that as a good sign & that there is still hope. Monday she will have her post op & we are praying the shunt can be adjusted to allow more pressure to be off the brain. She actually had her best day yesturday. We are to take her in for another CT right away if it worsens.
She is also off the Namenda & there is a definate improvement in her overall mood,at least for now. I will keep my eye on that.
The homecare was suggesting to put her back on before finding out the results of her recent CT so I am glad her husband did not do so, as now we know the fluid is still present. We really wanted to wait for her first follow up to make anymore changes. I am discovering how little the medical community knows about NPH. Thank you for your time & god bless, Sam
The Following User Says Thank You to sammyo1 For This Useful Post: Fullbully (05-28-2011)
Sammy- I assume you know that shunt adjustment is an office procedure. Sometimes, repeat, sometimes, it can make a difference but not all the time. From what you have said it may just be that the NPH was too far advanced to be effected by the shunt.
I wish her, and you, well.
Raffeer
I agree with Raffeer. It maybe just be that there was too much permenent damage before the shut was put in. But then again there may be further inprovement with the shunt adjustment and time. It is not something that can be answered right away. Only time and medical intervention will give you the answers you want.
I am truly sorry it was not the miracle that it can be. There may be more going on than just the NHP. Take every little bit of improvement as a blessing and keep the hope alive. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
