Hello, I wanted to say I am sorry you are going through this. I wonder why did the NS decide to change to an LP from a VP? especially when the VP worked well for you for so long?

I know zero about shuntgrams and we do have a few nurses on here, but I found this neuroradiology website that I thought you might find a few things you wanted to know. I would say that it will depend on what they find on the study if you will be going back to work.

I am interested to learn more since I am getting a second opinion due to the fact my Neuro wanted to send me for a shunt.

http://www.ajnr.org/content/21/4/721.full

I wish you well. Aim

sorry i dont know either Greenbay - i just wanted to say good luck with it all! xx

Thanks for your replies and the suggested radiology link. I had my VP shunt put in around five years ago?? I started having symptoms that it wasn't working and my NS is very thorough. He first did a revision andthat didn't work due to same symptoms afterwards. Then, in February he took it out and discovered that it was severely clogged. Went to an LP shunt because he felt it was my last resort. I had my shuntogram this morning and the radiologist said the lp shunt wasn't doing what it was suppose to do. I have an appt on Monday to go over test results. I'm so frustrated and just want to cry :-(

Hey GreenBay,

I am so sorry that its another knock - i know how frustrating that is! Dont look back at all the things that are behind you. just take a deep breath. and wait and see what will happen on monday. You cant change anything that is outside of your control, so worrying about it cant help you. and that is an easy thing to say and the hardest thing to do, but just keep repeating it to you yourself every time you start to fret. "can i do anything about it now? no. ok then leave it till monday."

On monday you will go over the test results, you will find out what course of action they are offering and you will be able to go from there.

I am so sorry that you are here and that the road is not smooth and easy to walk, but you have found the strength to get this far, you have proven yourself to be tough and resilient and its hard to ask you to dig a little deeper to go a little further, but you can find that same strength and courage to push on. Big hugs and much support!

Keren

I'm sorry, how frustrating! GL on Monday, keep us posted. Well said, Keren. Take care.

Thank you so much for all of your support. I have a very supportive and understanding husband whom I'm very grateful for, but it is nice to hear from others who can relate to what I experience everyday. Although, it stinks that we all have to meet this way and having this condition. Thank you so much for the support and encouragement. I'm going to try my hardest to focus on the future and not dwell on the previous, but it is so hard. I will keep you all updated. Thanks again! You guys rock!!

Good luck today! Thinking of you and hoping you get solid, understandable news on shuntgram.

When you say your NS took your last VP out, did they just remove the valve system or both catheters, as well? And, which end was clogged, the proximal or distal? Just wondering. Your present shuntgram results most important right now.

What a frustrating day! I was suppose to have an appt with my NS today, but he got called to go over to the hospital right at my appt time.He is on call, which I know he ccan't help, but it would have been nice to have some answers today after I waited all weekend. They rescheduled me for tomorrow.

As far as my VP shunt, he did a valve replacement/revision in December and then, after I kept having symptoms and my lp pressure came back high, he took the entire vp shunt and tubing out and replaced it with the lp shunt. It was the tubing that went down to my stomach that got clogged :-(

Wow...that must have been so frustrating especially because waiting can be so hard as it is already... hopefully you get a chance to ask all your questions tomorrow!

deep breath. good luck for today instead!