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...

761 Members

8,021 Posts

0 Online

greenbayfan1 06/27/2009

Hi everyone,

I'm still "hanging in there" with this recovery. I'm still dealing with this a nasty infection I got due to all the antibiotics they gave me while I was in the hospital. ugh! I wanted to check to see if anyone with a VP Shunt has a "heavy feeling" on the top of their head where the shunt is? As mentioned in my previous discussion, I've been battling constipation and I'm terrified my shunt is going to get clogged...Am I overreacting or is this sensation normal? It's not like that all the time...

I send get well wishes to everyone who recently had surgeries, procedures, etc. too!!

GBF

deleted_user 06/27/2009

GBF - I don't have the heavy feeling in my head, but I do in my abdomen, which is kind of odd. It's very swollen/bloated looking in the area of the incision - did you have this as well? I'm thinking it's probably normal, but it's rather alarming (I look pregnant!). My head feels perfectly fine, aside from pain at the incision site.

greenbayfan1 06/27/2009

Hi KSMama4,

I had the same feeling in my abdomen at first too. I get all of my staples out on Monday, yeah! Did you have a bunch of antibiotics pumped into you as well? If so, you might want to watch out for that yucky "y" infection. The VP shunt left a lump on my head, how about you? I'm second guessing myself about if I did the right thing or not...VP over LP, shunt at all, etc. I guess I've had too much time on my hands to think...lol! Glad to hear your recovery is going well. Hang in there! GBF

deleted_user 06/28/2009

GBF - Yes, they did pump me full of antibiotics too so I will be watching out for that. I haven't even the slightest lump on my head from the shunt, which actually surprises me. From everything I'd read before surgery, it's pretty normal to have some swelling there, but it will decrease in time. Honestly in looking at me, you wouldn't even know there's a shunt there.

I understand the worrying about it, but hopefully this was the right decision. Overall, I've heard so many more positive things about the VP vs. the LP, hopefully once your recovery is complete you won't regret it!

Kristine

JazzyO 06/29/2009

Hi Greenbay, oh yeah the y infection, I always get. The constipation is normal from your pain meds and it can be from the antibiotics as well, since my kidney transplant I've had to take a daily stool softener and I eat oatmeal everyday but still after surgery it is hard to get back to "normal". You are in my prayers and i think it is perf normal to have these questions/feelings, you just had major surgery. Many blessings, Jazzy

deleted_user 06/29/2009

GBF - One thing I remembered yesterday that you might try (if you're still having a problem with constipation) is an herbal tea by Traditional Medicinals called "Smooth Move." There's the regular flavor and a chocolate flavor - I prefer the latter. I've found that it works absolute wonders and have used it after my last couple of surgeries - it definitely works better than a regular stool softener (although you can still use a stool softener also). It can be found in most any health food store and in larger grocery stores.

deleted_user 06/29/2009

When did you have your shunt placed. How did you feel when you woke up.

JazzyO 06/29/2009

oh thank you KSMama, I will try that (though because of my immunosuppressent meds I still have to take the other fun stuff). Jazzy

Join the Conversation