So sorry you are needing to consult for a shunt. Both are teaching hospitals and are known for there research. It did take me a really long time at UCSF and I thought about transferring to Stanford on more than one occasion. I just didn't want to have to start over with a new set of Doc's unless I really had to. UCSF is a huge facility which i am sure has a lot to do with why it takes so long to get through the system. I finally received my surgery date today for Jan 3rd. I don't think there is any harm in trying Stanford especially if your paps are getting worse and it's urgent for you to be seen... I heard they have an excellent Neuro Surgery Dept. Good Luck with making a decision. Let me know what happens.

Ash

Yea I'm just gonna go with which ever comes first lol this is something I do need asap anything to take me off this diamox haha I want my regular life back.. I will definitly keep u posted miss Ash! Thanks :)

You're welcome! How long have you been on Diamox and have you tried other drugs? Just wondering if your Doc considers that shunting is a last resort for you because you have tried everything else out there? Most people on here this site considers Diamox to be the devils drug and I understand why you want to stop taking it especially if it's not working for ya.

Ive barley been on diamox for 3 weeks now and my eye doc said that my paps should have went down by now..but nothing! Ive never had problems with headaches just dizzyness n pressure n my eyes..some times I wonder or should I say could it be a miss diagnosis but then again my lp showed high pressure so obviously no lol so it crazy when I just find out that I have this then weeks to month later need surgery..that goes to show I must have been walkin around with this for a minute

For a lot of people it takes a while for the Diamox to work. Paps is also unpredictable it takes some weeks to months for the swelling to decrease. Even though most Docs think otherwise. How is your vision? Is it getting harder to see things? Is your blind spot enlarged? Sorry I know I ask a lot of questions. I just would hate for you to get a shunt if you just need more time for the meds to work for ya. There are other drugs to try instead of Diamox like Lasix or topamax.

When I was in a similar situation to you I needed to make sure that I had tired everything there is to try before I would even think about shunting. Finally when the meds didn't work for me for various reasons then i researched different shunts and it took me a really long time to make the decision especially because shunts can be unpredictable. For some it was smooth sailing and for others they need revisions and replacements. ugh. sorry i know I'm going on and on I will stop now.

:) Ash

Hi K,

Both places have good reputations but I have to echo what Ashley says. I'm surprised your doc wants to put you on a shunt so soon without at least trying Lasix first. Surgery is a big deal and you've got recovery time to deal with after that. Or at least get a second opinion from another neuro/optho to see if Lasix would be an option for you.

Hugs,
Linda

Yea definitely! This is all crazy! I haven't even seen a neurologist just been talking with my family doc and othamologist but I'm going to see if I can find some one else! This is going way to fast for me!

Hey Krystal:

I sent you a personal message. Definitely see a Neuro before deciding on a shunt.

Ash