I don't have a shunt either but I think it would depend on how threatened your eyesight is . That would make it way more urgent ! I am sure others can answer for sure . Don't worry so much ! Try to relax ( I know I worry too !)

I have a shunt and have had 5 revisions and an infection. All since 9/08. I was DX'd in 4/08. I think we jumped the gun on my shunt. I think everyone needs to make that decision for themselves and with their doctor they trust, but I think your vision must be in dire straights and meds not working before you get a shunt. I believe that I could have waited it out more.

WELL I DO KNOW THAT I NEED TO GO BACK TO THE EYE DOC AND GET A VSUAL FIELD TEST BUT I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IT OFF. AND I KNOW I HAVE PAPS, IM JUST HOPING THEY GO AWAY.

I am getting a VP shunt Thursday but only because the meds don't work for me and I am losing my vision rapidly. I've had 3 lp's but again the vision issue the reason for surgery. So don't worry.

Sherry :)

I was diagnosed with IIH in September 2009, after about 6 months of testing to figure out what was going on. I was immediately put on Diamox, pain med, anti-anxiety, and a sleeping aid. The Diamox was quickly increased several times. Three months later I had my first field vision exam, and within one month my vision had decreased drastically. Five months after my diagnosis I had my first shunt placement. For me, it was a matter of vision loss, although relieving the pain from the pressure was also a goal.

Hi April. Goodness, you do worry! Calm down dear girl or its a heart attack you will be dealing with next!

First of all I will say. the most of us are here because we are still looking for answers.
Thats not to say, there are hundreds of people, out and about, living full lives with IIH.

So, try not to panic.Even myself, who is really up the proverbial river with out a paddle, am living.Not what it was before sure, but still great.
I have learned how to accept the hds, eye pain etc... I wish with all my heart it was different but such is life.

I was officially diagnosed in Sept 09. I had my first lp in July08 while I was hospitalized for almost a month. My eye sight was and is my biggest problem.
I was started on Diomax in July, and as there was no improvement at all by Sept they decided to put in a VP shunt.
I agreed ed. At this point, I had lost a lot of my vision ad thought it was the end of the road for me.
And, altho it didnt really work out for me, I would still have it done again. Anything to save my sight.

Now, two years on, it wasnt until April of this year, that my paps finally started to improve. Thats a long wait!

So, altho it does seem that they moved very fast with me, to shunt, it was all down to my eye sight.
No one has every said it was to help the hds. You hope it will.
I think most neuros will go the road of pain killers and Diomax if it is just for hds before they make that big move to shunting.

So, you see shunts are really for eye sight , I think, and people do get better with shunts, or just meds even , some people by just lossing some weight. Its all different for all of us. But April, do keep in mind, they do work a lot of the time!

You have to read back on some of the older posts, see where some people are no longer with us? yes, they are gone back to normal lives, bless them.

If something frightens you again, write and post right away so we can reassure you. There is nothing worse than being afraid. I hate it! So let us help you with ever is bothering you, ok? Cath.

Hi April,
I tried the meds from 11/09 to 6/10. 09/10 had the SF surgery on the right eye optic nerve. After my Neuro Opt doc recommended that I move forward with the shunt because of my vision issues. My Neuro surgeon agreed, but wanted to wait until I felt I could not wait any longer. I had issues with my right vision and knew it was getting worse, so I decided to have the surgery before I have any more permenant damage done to my sight. But it was my decission.
Debi