??? - this might be one of those "DUH" moments, but....

[KathiDG]

....anyone have any pressure issues immediately after going to the bathroom? It's happened to me like 3 day in a row now....

If it's normal (which I think a temporary increase in ICP is normal with certain things...), I don't notice it at all when using the bathroom normally. But the last 2 days....whoa....I've gone to bed since Monday night with a bad headache and nausea....

i just don't notice it as bad as this usually. I'm not normally nauseated...

Now...it could very well be a stomach bug, I know. But I just want to know if/when I should call my NSG in events like this....

I'm thinking - keep track of the frequency of it and if it gets to be a certain length of time or if symptoms come up, then call?

I don't want to have them run tests or anything for it to be nothing. I don't want to overreact.

But then, I have always been like the "princess and the pea" when my shunt is not right...I can always tell with the slightest change.

Noticing A LOT of gritting my teeth and locking my jaw too...even when just sitting around at the computer or something.....

Was wondering is that an ICP thing? Been trying to find info on that, but so far nada.

[Love My 7 GEMS]

Don't want to be too graphic... but... are you straining too much? Straining, or holding your breath could be the cause of something called a Valsalva maneuver, and is something scuba divers are taught to do to equalize their pressure in their bodies... but can also trigger unwanted side effects, like heart irregularities, fainting, etc. It could also cause some slight nausea.
Talk to your doctor, (PCP at first) about the problem, find out if it's a Valsalva type problem, and how you can fix that and any related symptoms.

Can't tell you anything about the grinding of the teeth... sorry... hope you feel better soon~

Dori

[KathiDG]

Dori -

Yeah...you could be on the right track with that. I'm feeling much better than I was this morning, so hopefully it was just a couple incidences. I am on iron supplements as well, so...well...that could cause this type of a problem....

I'm going to give it until Monday (I have to work tomorrow and Friday) and then if I'm still having issues like that, I'm calling my PCP. I'm iron anemic, so I don't know if stopping the supplements would be a good idea...but if it causes issues with my head because of this issue, I'd rather look into other options.

[Love My 7 GEMS]

Kathy... I don't want to alarm you, but if you are having symptoms related to Valsalva maneuver, you need to talk to the doctor. You can take stool softeners to help or other agents to reduce the stress... but if you are experiencing heart palpitation, nausea and/or fainting you need to see the doctor. The vagal (Vegas) nerve goes from the brain to the heart, and down to the rectum...over stimulating the nerve is what causes these symptoms...and it can be more than just 'nothing'. You might need at least a heart monitor test, just to be sure you're okay... okay?

Dori

[CathyE]

Hi Kathy,
Yes, I have experienced trouble from the increased pressure.
For several years, when having bathroom problems occassionally I would start to black out and in trying to avoid it, lie on the floor. I would often break out into a cold sweat and once I had to lie down for over an hour! So I try to avoid getting in this situation with stool softeners (when needed) as Dori suggested.

While I relate it to my now diagnosed Hydro, my Dr. just says it's the Valsalva reaction? -not sure what he said now.

Re iron supplements, try to get one that is more gentle on your system. I used Pallafer thanks to a prescription from my Dr. and vitamin C helps absorption.
I Googled and found this info:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091948_treat-anemia-iron-supplements.html
wiith links to other articles.
Good luck with your anemia and the pressure problem.
Cathy

[GTF]

Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate.

They can become bestest new friend. :-)

I would guess that sneezing is no pleasure either.
Bending over, etc.
Constipation. No fun.

[KathiDG]

I'm scheduled to see my GP in Sept...I'm going to pick up some OTC stuff to see if that'll help in the meantime....

No...sneezing is not fun either....

And lately, seems like I'm having MORE headaches BETWEEN going to the bathroom....bending over is not comfortable, BUT it doesn't hurt like HECK like it did when my programmable valve was on the wrong setting...that's the thing...

Definitely worth talking to the Dr. about though...GP at least and then go from there...

Thanks Dori! :)