Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! Is/was your headache positional at all? You know, worse with bending, better/worse with laying down, worse when moving? If it is better when you lay down it's possible the shunt is draining too much fluid, and your doc should be told about that. If it's worse when sitting/standing, then maybe your pressure is still too high and the shunt is not draining enough. If it doesn't make a difference, maybe it's a migraine or other headache not related to pressure. Just throwing that out there for you to think about. Hugs, and I hope you feel better soon.

Autumn brought up some good points about paying attention to whether it's better/worse when laying down, sitting up, etc. Did you do anything yesterday that might have caused it? I'm in the same boat myself right now, terrible headache & nausea and this time I have NOT overdone it, so you have my complete sympathy (and I totally understand being paranoid!). I hope you get to feeling better ASAP!

Okay Greenbay:

Call me Crazy (Most do), but, given your earlier posting regarding the "bulging shunt", I'm a little concerned about the onset of this headache at the same time. While I'm not your neuro... I should be. LOL. Sometimes I wonder what these doctors are thinking.

We know our bodies better than they do. And it gets so frustrating when we report this stuff and they act like its all in our heads. (Well, it is all in our heads actually...but, physically not mentally.) Like Autumn, I'm concerned that maybe your not draining properly??? I would continue calling the doc until they take you seriously. You recently had this surgery, and for all considerations you are still in the post surgery healing process and any concerns should be taken seriously.

Remember...The squeaky wheel gets the attention! I hope you get some attention soon and are on your way to feeling better.

MM3

Oh so sorry you had such a bad headache, just to echo everyone else, I would call your NS right away just to let them know..like MM3 said..keep bugging your NS if he/she doesn't call you back right away. That is their job. I know it is nerve racking but it is better to be educated for this type of issue. I hope your headache gets better, keep us updated and GB, Jazzy

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all of your replies. Sometimes I think I'm being way too paranoid with every little symptom that comes up, but this was major surgery I had. Your replies definitely helped me realize even more that it is serious. I did call and leave a message for the nurse today about the pain I'm feeling on the side of my head and my headache and also, asked what meds I can take. It could be stress too since they laid us off at work and I'm trying to look for a job as well. I don't think I've done too much lately, other than go on a job interview yesterday and do some laundry the day before...hmmm. My headache seems to still hang around when I'm laying down too. All I know, is that I want it to go away! I go see my NS next Monday anyways for my four week post-op appt and also, to see my neuro-opthalm. I can't wait so I can bring up all my questions...Thanks again for all your support. This site is awesome! GBF

I'm beginning to think that I layed on my VP shunt side the wrong way because when I go to raise my eyebrows, the movement makes the bump (shunt) in my head sore. I didn't hear back from the nurse today, but most likely will tomorrow. I guess I just get freaked out because I think the worst of what it may be (i.e., blood clot, etc). Is there a chance of this happening? I was thinking about taking a Benadryl or Naproxen, but I don't even know if I'm allowed to take that...thanks so much for listening me babble on...

Hi GBF,
I am so sorry you are going through so much pain and discomfort. I don't have a shunt, but I am a nurse and can answer your question about is there a chance of a blood clot or such? And the answer is yes, there is always a chance after a major surgery to have a blood clot, but I can't remember how long ago your surgery was, but the biggest thing that you can do is get a hold of your NS, and I know you are trying, but most lay people are not aware that you can call the house that he is practicing at and have him/her paged to your home number to call you back because you feel it is important enough to talk to him tonight. They (the Drs) are not happy when nurses give this info out but in this time who can say anything to me, eh? I want to help you. But be aware, if your doctor has a partner and your doctor is not on call that person on call will call you back, by law they have to. Neat, huh? Oh, and some of the hospital operators will not acknowledge this as something they do may actually deny it, but they page Drs all the time and can do for the patients. I hope this helps. Blessings. Let me know if you use this, or anyone else on the site, this can be pass on at anytime without a problem. Karen