Has anyone had a vp shunt put in??any input about the op or any known probs with it.i have bih and am having one put in and am terrified at the thought of a hole being drilled into my skull,so would appreciate any input of anyone whos had it done.with thanks.

Has anyone had a vp shunt put in??any input about the op or any known probs with it.i have bih and am having one put in and am terrified at the thought of a hole being drilled into my skull,so would appreciate any input of anyone whos had it done.with thanks.

I've had a VP shunt since 5 months. No problems yet, except migraine headaches from overdrainage. I am now 13 years old.

Your posting caught my eye because I may be facing a lumbar puncture for Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus followed by implantation of a shunt if the test confirms the condition.
I would also appreciate any information anyone may have on this topic. Thank you. BD

Hi to everyone
I myself do not have a shunt but my father does. I will share his strory but do not let this frighten you. Each person/case are very different. My dad was diagnosed with hydrcephalus last dec (they think he has had it all his life) Since then he has had 8 surgeries, all of which were to replace the shunt or its tubing. (due to malfunction and blockage) The doc put in a programable shunt where they can adjust the pressure from the outside. He has suffered from several complications, some very strange things, that the doc had never seen. FINALLY after almost a year the shunt is doing its job (so far) He goes back on the 20th for another ct scan to check on the progress. His headaches are still severe and they told him that it will take another year for his brain to adjust to losing the extra pressure. Now please do not get me wrong, it was an absolute must that he have this done, and although it has been emotionally draining and frustrating for him and for us, in the long run when the headaches are gone, it will be all worth it. I do not think he has ever went a day without a headache.
My advice for anyone that maybe having this done, educate yourselves and your families, and be prepared for anything. Stay strong and stay positive. I am not saying this will happen to anyone else, but we were under the impression from the doc that my dad would be back to work in 2mnths, and its now been a year. Please feel free to ask me any questions, I will answer the best I can.
Good luck to you both

thanxs hails,i myselh have bih so its slightly different but whenever i have a lumbar puncture this reduces my pressure almost immediately and feel human again for about 8 weeks but first will suffer low pressure headaches for about 10-12 days. i know as muct that there is risks of seizures after but im more worried about the op at the moment.hope his shunt gets sorted out.

Head1,
Just wanted to say good luck to you on your op. And thanks for the words on my dad. Actually, he finally got good news and the shunt is doing great :bouncing:
So hopefully, (fingers crossed) he is on the mend.
Keep us posted on how you are doing