i am sure some of the guys with VPs will be on, i havent had one, i just wanted to say big hugs and good luck! xx wishing you a speedy recovery

Hi Jazzy - WOW that was a quick VP order! I've had 3 VPs - technically 2 whole systems, 1 valve & cath switchout, and a bunch of revisions. But I can't speak to what happens when one already has a nonpatent LP, too. Unclear if there's any redundancy along the whole pipeline, but can't see how there would be.

That said, from what I've read here and my own experience, it def seems that VP placements are easier than LPs. For me the most painful part (altho not terribly painful at all), was the abdominal work & incision placing the distal catheter -- it's a wound and is sore; plus you'll feel the pains of scar tissue formation (probably similar to those with an LP); sometimes I swear you can feel the distal shunt cath moving around -- expect some Abdominal CTs along the way to check for fluid build-up. You'll also have a small incision point near your clavical that's easily glued/stapled and isn't a big deal. The actual shunt valve & proximal cath placement evoked some very tender skin at the placement site, and a comparatively small outside-of-skull headache post-op. They should be able to be "kind" to your hair -- ask them to be. Usually, it's just a couple of razor swipes, and depending on your hair length, you can manage to flip your hair over the wound afterwards. I have short hair, so had a particularly nice war wound to show.

I wasn't allowed to wash hair for about a week, but was allowed to do so before the staples came out at 10 days - very gently. Just my advice, but don't even think about brushing/combing your hair on that side! :) Just finger comb it, again gently.

Activity restrictions tend to vary widely, but some of the consistent ones are 1) no lifting, pulling or high exerting for a week or two; 2) watch for signs of low-pressure HAs, nausea/vomiting/fever, and any vision changes; 3) get some good rest in once you're home; and 4) as with any surgery, use your lungs to get that nasty anesthesia out! On paper, it's a pretty routine surgery and recovery. I was back at work within a week of my 2nd full placement; driving, etc.

Do you know what valve type you're getting? Programmable with Anti-siphon I hope. Be sure to ask what setting the surgeon is choosing so that you can reference later.

Remember that the key with IIH & any shunt is the possibility of over-draining, even tho your ventricles look good-sized now. So pay close attention to any headaches (or lack of hopefully). And because you've now got a cranial shunt that's presumably programmable, you'll need to have it checked and reset after every MRI.

Best of luck on Monday and here's hoping this does the trick for you!

Thank you Karen! Many healing energy hugs back to you! :)

Thank you Pressure, that helped me a lot. Yes, they got that VP order quick, ha. My NS surgery scheduler was going out of town and she pushed it through asap and my primary Dr. saw me on his lunch time for my pre op appointment!

I remember my abdominal incision, for the tunneling of the shunt, from my LP shunt wasn't that painful but where the shunt valve was placed in my lower back was pretty painful, so I'm glad the VP shunt isn't as bad.

I will have an adjustable valve (I had one with my LP shunt that I still have in my lower back). I still have part of my distal LP shunt tubing that goes into my abdomen so I think he will just attached the VP tubing to it. I did have that distal shunt cath moving sensation and side cramping and I found that a heating pad helped (I had found an IH support group website from England where people had suggested to do that and of course I can't find that link).

Good advice about the hair. I will be careful and do what you recommended. I have shoulder length hair but it is layered and thin so maybe I will have a nice war wound also to show. :)

Wow, you went back to work after one week! Amazing. I will be careful not to overdue it. Thanks for reminding me getting the setting checked after any MRI.

I feel much better and more prepared.

I can't thank you enough. You really helped me!

I think pressure covered everything. I have really small ventricles as well which have caused problems with revisions. I don't have a programmable shunt, my ns chose to go with a non programmable for me, but it works! My only other advice would be to stay hydrated when you come home with your pain meds. Good luck sending you positive thoughts

Thank you auniecoley!

Great advice about staying hydrated. Thank you so much for the positive thoughts! :)

Hi Jazzy,
I have had several VP revisions and at one point had an LP shunt.
1. There is quite a bit of pain because it goes from your head to your abdomen. My neck and where the valve was tunneled hurt the most.
2. I had to wait one week before I could wash my hair...I believe I could only rinse with water.
3. Make sure you move your neck side to side, up and down, periodically. This is make sure that you won't become more stiff because of the shunt tunneling. It will also loosen up the area, make room for scar tissue so it's not so tight.
4. To get out of bed I would slide my body to the edge and try to get legs over the edge a little. Then, I would have someone help me to pull myself up to sit up to get out of bed.
I recommend sitting in a chair and walking periodically as well. This will make sure that the shunt will not scar all in one spot. This way you can move more freely and it will be less painful...if that makes any sense at all.
Constipation is absolutely not your friend so take so milk of magnesia or your preferred cocktail to get the party going. Your abdominal incision will thank you for it.
I have a programmable VP shunt. Don't be discouraged at first if you still have some headaches, it may just be set at the wrong setting.
At all costs DO NOT TOUCH your head incisions! They will be very itchy, I recommend wearing a scarf over your hair. This way you can pat or lightly scratch your head when it's itchy without infecting it.
Don't do too much too soon. Take it easy and be kind to your body. Walking really did help me. I didn't walk much but every two hours or so I would walk around my house of 10-15 min. Find a good stiff backed chair to support you that you can ease into to. This also helped when I didn't want to lie down all day. Drink plenty of water for your kidneys and will be sending a prayer your way on Monday. :)
Hugs!
Mal

Thank you 1greenmnm! The craziest thing happened. On Saturday I got some virus and called my NS on Sunday and had to cancel the surgery. So I am still waiting to feel better (am on antibiotics for a sinus infection) and then he said to wait at least a week to reschedule the surgery. I am having a hard time getting over this virus (sore throat, cough, night sweats).

I will def do the range of motion on my neck and get a scarf. If I ever get this surgery I will be much more prepared by your post. I really am a person who likes to know what to expect. Thank you so much for your help! Hugs, Jazzy

Jazzy - hope you feel better and soon! Drat these viruses, but glad that your's popped up BEFORE surgery. Stay warm and take good care.

Thank you PressureC,
Yes, so glad it happened before the surgery!. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words. I hope you are doing well! Many Blessings and hugs, Jazzy :)