Shunt to Relieve Water on the Brain

lovesallanimals · ‎03-11-2010

Did anyone ever had a procedure to remove water on the brain? They put in a shunt to drain the fluid as a build up can impair your mobiity, walking, balance, even eye sight? My DH was diagnosed with this and I have been reading every thing I can get my hands on. Needless to say, the things that can go wrong after this procedure is horrible. My DH is very reluctant, and so am I, to go through with this. He is elderly and does not want to live out the remainder of his years if anything should go wrong. I am so perflexed as to what to do. Of course, the neurosurgeon says it is a simple procedure - not what I have read!

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@lovesallanimals What a difficult decision! I think you need to listen to your husband's concerns. His decision will be a tough one, but respect his concerns. Whatever he decides, don't look back and second guess yourself. I wish you both the best.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I'd get a second opinion and discuss my concerns with whichever surgeon I liked best.

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Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

I knew a young lady that was born with hydrocephalus. In order to prevent more damage to her brain, she had a shunt. It had an visible drain down the back of he neck and she had no problems with the shunt.

sann · ‎05-30-2012

There are risks envolved with any procedure even if its considered simple as you say the surgeon told you .......

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

There is alway a risk with any surgery or procedure... you must decide if you want to continue on as you are or that a small risk to improve the quality of your remaining years. Sure, get a second or third opinion.... and then decide the fate of the rest of his life and quality there of.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

@lovesallanimals A friend of mine, who is 75 years old, had the shunt procedure done about 6 weeks ago. The procedure took a little less than an hour and was very successful. His balance and walking improved immediately. The other issues, like some memory loss and partial incontenence will improve gradually. On week 5, after the surgery, he was given a prescription from the neurosurgeon to continue with PT for optimal improvement. Both he and his wife are amazed at the results the shunt has made for quality of life.

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CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@lovesallanimals wrote:
Did anyone ever had a procedure to remove water on the brain? They put in a shunt to drain the fluid as a build up can impair your mobiity, walking, balance, even eye sight? My DH was diagnosed with this and I have been reading every thing I can get my hands on. Needless to say, the things that can go wrong after this procedure is horrible. My DH is very reluctant, and so am I, to go through with this. He is elderly and does not want to live out the remainder of his years if anything should go wrong. I am so perflexed as to what to do. Of course, the neurosurgeon says it is a simple procedure - not what I have read!

When it's a loved one nothing is a simple or routine procedure.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@lovesallanimals wrote:
Did anyone ever had a procedure to remove water on the brain? They put in a shunt to drain the fluid as a build up can impair your mobiity, walking, balance, even eye sight? My DH was diagnosed with this and I have been reading every thing I can get my hands on. Needless to say, the things that can go wrong after this procedure is horrible. My DH is very reluctant, and so am I, to go through with this. He is elderly and does not want to live out the remainder of his years if anything should go wrong. I am so perflexed as to what to do. Of course, the neurosurgeon says it is a simple procedure - not what I have read!
When it's a loved one nothing is a simple or routine procedure.

@lovesallanimals There are many times, especially when it comes to illness and medical advice, the internet is not always your best friend. My suggestion, if you're still uncertain, would be to seek a second opinion from highly qualified neurosurgeon

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

@lovesallanimals, not for the same condition but niece has a shunt to drain excess spinal fluid from her brain. Her condition, pseudotumor cerebri/idiopathic intracranial hypertension, causes symptoms very similar to hydrocephalus.

She has had a shunt in place for several years and just this past January had a different type put in place.

As a result of excessive spinal fluid niece is legally blind, suffered nearly daily migraines, loss of balance, weakness and had a very poor quality of life. The shunt allows her to have a nearly normal quality of life.

For me the biggest question in regard to having the procedure done is the experience of the neurosurgeon and how much confidence does your DH have in her/him.

Yes, there are things that can and sometimes do go wrong but overall it is a very safe, minimally invasive procedure that can prevent being incapacitated due to the effects of increased cranial pressure caused by excessive CSF.

Whatever DH ultimately decides I hope he finds relief.

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.