I've had two! Really, I was kept overnight to make sure I was ok. That was all I needed. Once over the crying hysterics of waking up from anestisia (I have a freak out EVERYTIME) and getting touched and washed, I feel better immediately. No headache, I can see. It's the most amazing moment ever. For my first one, I was required to lay flat for 6 hours, then encouraged to do my thing. And I could. I was very restless for those six hours.

I'm not exaggerating, you feel better, as soon as you're awake. It's really hard not to over-do it, cause your head feels better than it has in FOREVER, but you just had surgery, so remember, take it easy.

I was surprised at how bruised the tubing down my neck was the first time. I didn't expect it, but it's normal. I didn't get it the second time.

I stayed overnight, both times. I was really sore from surgery for about 3-4 days, and then, less and less and went back to work exactly a week after both surgeries.

Any other questions, do ask!

I had my surgery in May. Best thing I ever did I was only in the hospital overnight. I wasn't required to lay flat at all. I'll admit I was scared to death but I had my dad there and my best friend stayed with me overnight. I had no headache at all and my double vision went away. After surgery I had very minimal pain worst part for me was the abdominal incisions. I was up and walking a few hours after surgery and I was back to doing most things within a few weeks I was also out of work for two months

I think it's only fair to give you both sides of the deal,ok?
While I agree with canamerica, I felt the same way, I still remember being able to see across the room,the shunt has done nothing for my symptoms.

After about ten days, everything came back, hds, eye pain etc... And I am still like this 5 yrs later. My eyes are so much better, my paps have healed,but that took 4 yrs. I still have eye pain.

All my lps since the shunt have been in the mid 30s. Which is half of what they were but still...
I think you really need to think about a shunt if it is not essential . Not so much about the surgery, which is rather easy to tell the truth, but the after yrs. you will have this in your head/ brain. There is so much potential for problems,shunt blockage, infection,the very fact of having it in your body. The distal part is in your stomach and that to can give problems.

I understand that you are fed up, taking so many meds, but surgery is not always the answer. I'm not saying dont do it, just look at both sides and then make an informed decision .ok? Cath.