Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, in the absence of a tumor or other diseases affecting the brain or its lining. Diagnosis requires brain scans and lumbar puncture. Characteristic symptoms are headache, transient visual obscurations or transient visual loss in one or both eyes usually lasting...
Came to Ohio to see Dr. Katz for my Friday appointment. As we inched closer to Columbus, however, I began having head pain and pressure. When we arrived at my mothers I took medication and felt a litle better, but, then took the children trick or treating. Needless to say, by the time our outing was over I was in excruciating pain. My husband took me to the hospital...another LP was done (just had one done 3 weeks ago), and my opening pressure was 38. I saw Dr. Katz the next morning and he decided that it was definitely time for a shunt.
I have now been admitted to OSU hospital and am scheduled to have a shunt placement surgery sometime on Monday. This is all happening so quickly, it is truly a blur. My 18 year old son is still in Rochester and is having a difficult time knowing that he can't be here. The whole family is a bit nervous about the procedure...and of course, you all know I'm terrified. But, as you know, I can't endure the agony of the disease without treatment either.
So, now it's my turn....hoping it will turn out well.
MM3
I have now been admitted to OSU hospital and am scheduled to have a shunt placement surgery sometime on Monday. This is all happening so quickly, it is truly a blur. My 18 year old son is still in Rochester and is having a difficult time knowing that he can't be here. The whole family is a bit nervous about the procedure...and of course, you all know I'm terrified. But, as you know, I can't endure the agony of the disease without treatment either.
So, now it's my turn....hoping it will turn out well.
MM3
I am so happy for you! I am sure that the shunt will give you relief...do you know if this will be an LP or VP shunt.
You have suffered so much ... pull strength from the many success stories that you have read about here.
I will be thinking of you and praying for you on Monday...lots of positive vibes headed your way !!
Judie
I do not write often, but wanted to let you know I wish the best for you. I hope everything works out well. I had a VP shunt in July and was able to go off all my medication. It gave me my life back.
I hope it works for you. Good luck and I will be praying for you.
Karen
I'm glad you found a doctor that agrees the shunt is the right way to go. I'll never forget the desperation I felt when that first NS I saw last May said no way would he operate and put in a shunt since I was high risk. Then the next week, my neurologist set me up with my new NS and he said he had no doubts to do it. I don't know where I would be now if I was still having the excruciating headache daily 24-7 that I was having before my shunt.
I know you will do fine and I'm sending up prayers for you. Look forward to hearing how much better you will feel after your shunt placement.
Hugz,
Liz
I know deep in my heart that everything will turn out excellent, and just think how you will feel better and get your life back! Of course you are scared, that is natural, no one is happy going to surgery, but this is a surgery that is done every day and very common. From what I've read the VP shunt is easier to heal from than the LP shunt that I have, and mine wasn't that bad at all, nothing like other major surgeries I've had.
Just take your pain meds (don't try and "tough it out" and also make sure you give yourself time to heal and recover and not have any setbacks, you will be super Mom again in no time) and rest.
All of the Dr's/Nurses/OR techs have come together in this specific moment for you to have a successfull surgery. Just think of all the love from your friend's/family/angel's surrounding you, holding you, every step of the way. Remember not only is God in you but you are in God.
Trust in the Lord that now is the time for you to get better, you as always are in my prayers and healing loving hugs, Jazzy
Nee
I am having the VP shunt surgery w/adjustable valve done TUESDAY morning. He moved it from Monday due to scheduling conflicts. I will update you all on how it goes, but I am feeling confident.
MM3
Welcome to the Lucky Charms club. Is this the time when I can start teasing you or do I have to wait until aftger surgery? I am very happy to hear this and I know everything will work out just fine. For me it was like they turned on a light switch and everything was all better. I hope you have the same experince. It really is a simple and easy recovery even though it is brain surgey. You are in good hands where you are so hopefully your family can relax a little knowing that.
Good Luck tomorrow.
TJ
Lucky Charms Recruiter
Bring on the teasing...I embrace it. This morning I spoke with my 9 year old on the phone and told her that they were going to shave a long strip of hair off my head. I asked if she and her sister could think of creative ways for me to "cover my bald spot". Initially she said, "Well, I guess you shouldn't go out shopping for awhile." Than she said, "We'll take play-doh and cover your bald spot with it...then we'll stick doll hair in it to blend in with yours." OH NO!!!!! I'll have to sleep with one eye open. LOL.
MM3
You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Your NS sounds sort of like mine. My NS is wonderful and took the time with me and is always on hand whenever I have questions.
Hugz,
Liz