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...
Hi all,
After my programmable LP shunt surgery I woke up in my hospital room with sharp stabbing intermittent pains in my left lower abd. quadrant and also in my left shoulder area (more the scapula area). I thought maybe it was gas from the anethesia slowing things down and the shoulder from them laying me on that side for over two hours.
2 weeks after surgery and I still had the pain(s). I asked my NS if the llQ pain was from the shunt or it draining and he said that no way was it from the shunt.it was too low and he suggested I might have diverticulis.
Now 5 weeks later the pain is now almost constant. Saw my gyno (sorry men) who got me an ultrasound since I thought it was my ovary.
Just came home from ultrasound and the radiologist saw some fluid and said it was from the shunt, but in no way was it causing my pain, that she had seen that often with people who have shunts. She said I would have to see the Dr. again to figure out what is going on.
I think it is very weird that I've never had this pain before and i woke up from surgery with it, if it is a coincidence then it's a 1 in a million chance Doc. (sorry had to quote Seinfeld when George's father slipped and fell on a pasta scuplture that Kramer had made and it went in his bum,lol)
thanks for letting me vent, I'm so confused, Jazzy
After my programmable LP shunt surgery I woke up in my hospital room with sharp stabbing intermittent pains in my left lower abd. quadrant and also in my left shoulder area (more the scapula area). I thought maybe it was gas from the anethesia slowing things down and the shoulder from them laying me on that side for over two hours.
2 weeks after surgery and I still had the pain(s). I asked my NS if the llQ pain was from the shunt or it draining and he said that no way was it from the shunt.it was too low and he suggested I might have diverticulis.
Now 5 weeks later the pain is now almost constant. Saw my gyno (sorry men) who got me an ultrasound since I thought it was my ovary.
Just came home from ultrasound and the radiologist saw some fluid and said it was from the shunt, but in no way was it causing my pain, that she had seen that often with people who have shunts. She said I would have to see the Dr. again to figure out what is going on.
I think it is very weird that I've never had this pain before and i woke up from surgery with it, if it is a coincidence then it's a 1 in a million chance Doc. (sorry had to quote Seinfeld when George's father slipped and fell on a pasta scuplture that Kramer had made and it went in his bum,lol)
thanks for letting me vent, I'm so confused, Jazzy
My pain seems to increase with a full stomach, like something is getting crowded or pushed on. Whatever is happening, it sure does not feel good, and it's not getting any better.
I too never had this until after my shunt surgery.
it really isn't that much fun, is it. Sorry you are going through the same thing. It has actually gotten a little better but I am getting an ultrasound in a couple of days...my insurance won't pay for a CT scan unless the ultrasound shows something. I had an x-ray but all it showed was all my tubing, which there is alot of.
It is so weird because some days I have it all day and am in so much pain and then others days nothing much at all. It makes me think the head of the shunt is irritating my organs when it moves around. I guess if they don't find anything I'll have to live with the pain, which of course is better than having those debilitating PTC headaches, but it would be great not to be in pain at all! Blessings, Jazzy
Hugs,
Stacy
Ya know I had similar intermitant issues with the abdominal pain but I dont want to scare you. When I first mentioned it to my doctors they looked at me like I was from outer space so I am glad to hear you are pushing and getting some tests run to help figure out what is going on.
And yes this whole thing for me was about CSF absorbtion but they believe the infection caused it. I dont know if I believe that and am somewhat scared to try it again.
Hope you start felling better soon!
I have a NS apt tomorrow to find my fate as well.
TJ
thank you TJ,
I hope your NS appt. goes well. I think it would be scary for anybody after what you went through to think about getting another shunt. I had PTSS after that one surgery I had and freaked out before my last one so I know how you feel. We can get through this! Jazzy
Didn't want you to think I forgot about you. I'm still praying for you and sorry to hear you are still having so much pain. I hope your still squeaking...
MM3
I was just thinking about you and hoping you are feeling better. Was wondering if you have decided on whether or not you are going to get the VP shunt? I haven't forgot about you either. You are in my prayers, Jazz
ps. well after two years finally looking for a job, of course when I apply someplace they want to know why I haven't worked in the past 2 years....wah, wah, wah saying you have medical issues is never what they want to hear.