Need some help

[KathiDG]

Hi all. I have a question for everyone, if you can answer it. As most of you know, I had a programmable valve placed in August, just under 2 months ago. This evening, I took a REALLY BAD fall and landed on the right side of my head. I sustained several blows to the shunt valve and neck. For a while after, my neck and head hurt like complete ****. The jaw and neck are really bruised and I'm sore. The shunt doesn't feel as "lumpy" as it was before today. By lumpy I mean the shunt doesn't stick up as much. It feels more flat to my head.

For those who have had both programmable and non-programmable valve, the programmable IS more of a lump on the head, right? It doesn't feel as lumpy as when it was put in. I took 2 Vicodin around 5 or 5:30 for the tremendous soreness/headache I had, and I still didn't feel right around 11:00-midnight, so I took a couple more. Neck is still sore some, but it's really painful on the distal tubing.

Is there a need at this point to call the neurosurgeon, or can I wait to see if any shunt related issues come up? I mean, I know enough to call him at this point if the pain doesn't let up by Monday or if I'm throwing up...I just don't really want to be oversensitive.

Thanks,

Kathi

[Spiritgal]

Hi Kathi,

Ouch, you poor thing! :( It must REALLY have hurt, especially so soon after surgery. I had my shunt fitted at very end of July and even when I touch it now, it's still really sore! If I were you, I'd definately call my NS, just to let him know what's happened, and let him say whether he wants to see you or not. You may well be absolutely fine, but the shunt's new, it's been knocked badly and he will undoubtedly have had this happen to patients in the past. I always think with hydro...if you're unsure as of what to do...let the professionals decide! And don't worry about making a fuss...you've never had this happen before so you need to take precautions. Hope you feel better very soon!
Jordan xx

[LIZARD]

(((((((((((((((((Kathi))))))))))))))))))))). :(

I'm so sorry to hear this, sweetie! :( How do you feel now? Please call the nsg right away!! A fall this bad should always be reported.


I'm thinking of you!

LIZARD :(

[KathiDG]

I don't feel a whole lot better than I did last night. My neck is still really sore and the shunt valve is pretty sore & bruised. I've got discoloration on the whole right side of my face in spots. At this point, I'm still having to take pain relievers every few hours. I haven't taken anything stronger than ibuprofen today though. I am really hoping it's just bruised muscles, but I've had nausea on & off since last night...I just don't feel like myself. I'm going to try and hang in until Monday when my doc should be in his office to just check in with him and see what he says, but the problem is, I don't have Medicaid right now because I'm claiming unemployment and I'm still waiting to hear back from the county whether I'll be able to get the health insurance thru them...so that is my dilemma. But don't worry. I know enough that if I start actually vomiting, I WILL be going up to the ER in Milwaukee where my neurosurgeon is. This whole situation is royally ticking me off though...I shouldn't have lost my balance like that....it was stupid....:mad:

[ninaem]

You definitely need to call your NS right away.

I wouldn't wait ins. or not, losing your balance could be a problem with your setting.

I have a programmable and I definitely can feel "the lump" I can also feel my whole hose at times and sometimes you can see the part that goes down my neck, it looks like a protruding vein.

I would seriously get checked out right away if I were you. Please do.
Good luck, I hope you feel better.

[Denese]

Haven't seen a reply back from you. Sounds like a nasty fall that obviously affected you. I hope you sought medical attention...please post & let us know how you're doing.

[davidmic61]

Ouch! I feel for you Kathy. You don't need to feel stupid. I'm guessing you didn't fall on purpose. Don't beat yourself up over it. The important thing is to ensure your health is taken care of. You are in my prayers. God bless.