Shunt Thursday

[jessiesmom12202]

Hunter is haveiny his Shunt done this Thursday and i am really scared.Is there anything i nedd to do beforhand. what should i watch for?

[Ziggy]

No, there's really nothing you need before hand. Shunts are usually a pretty simple procedure. The surgery only takes a little while but the preop time is significant because they administer IV antibiotics beforehand. That's usually vancomycin, or our NS used Linezolid once too. The antibiotics have to go in over a period of half an hour, so if you're not already inpatient it feels like a LONG time in the OR prep area! If you're inpatient, they can usually administer it on the floor before you head to the OR.

They'll tell you what to watch for when you're discharged, but unusual sleepiness, irritability, and vomiting are the big 3 symptoms of shunt failure.

[mcco5543]

I'm thinking wonderful healing thoughts for all of you! Keep us posted! when you get to scared, think of all of us thinking of you! You definitely aren't alone,

[Dodger67]

Sending healing! :happy065:

[jessiesmom12202]

should i go ahead and cut his hair beforhand?

[LisaJoy]

should i go ahead and cut his hair beforhand?

Even if you cut it, they'll probably still have to shave a spot, so I'd just let them handle it.

[jessiesmom12202]

HUmmm... thinking i might give him a bald fade... after all i really do not want just a bald spot in his head.

[jessiesmom12202]

Hunter is throwing up and wanting to sleep, not sure what to do. Shunt placement is sechedualed for thursday.

[Ziggy]

Call the surgeon. That's a sign of being in trouble.

[babybsmom]

Definitely call the Neurosurgeon!!

[Dodger67]

The shunt needs to go in right now! :happy065:

[mcco5543]

Neurosurgeon call is defintiely in order and a trip to the ER where your surgeon will meet you..keep us posted. That really isnt' a good sign..hope he gets better fast!

[jessiesmom12202]

haveing surgary in the morning... just got done with pre op. and he got a new hair cut. he keeps rubbing his head and saying haircut.

[mcco5543]

So sorry he's got to have surgery but really glad you guys caught it so fast and so soon. That's cute he keeps saying "haircut" and touching his head. He'll be feeling better shortly! hang in there mama!

[jveprek]

Best of luck!

[Dodger67]

Good luck! :happy065:

[jessiesmom12202]

Hunter just got of surgary and is in recovery. Procedure went well. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

[Kari]

I'm so glad to hear that he is already out of surgery!!! Prayers for a speedy recovery!

[Dodger67]

Good news! Lets hope he's soon back to his normal self.

[jessiesmom12202]

We got the shunt put in and after Hunter woke up, neuro wanted to do a CT. After the CT came back it showed that the Shunt was not in place good, so now Hunter is back in for his 2nd sugary. lets just hope it all works this time.

[Ziggy]

Awww, that's no fun! We've had that happen once too. I hope he's feeling better soon!

[mcco5543]

Thinking good thoughts!

[jessiesmom12202]

Is it normal for them to want to lay around for a few days after getting the Shunt put in?

[Ziggy]

No. It's not. They should bounce back pretty quickly. I'd call the neurosurgeon if he's doing that.

[Kari]

No. It's not. They should bounce back pretty quickly. I'd call the neurosurgeon if he's doing that.
I agree. They usually feel much better right by the second day.

[Summer25]

I'm up and out of bed that day. I was usually back in school the next week. I usually have to have 2 revisions in two days. The 2nd one does the trick.

[mcco5543]

I only needed one revision but I had surgery on friday and went to a full day of public high school that monday....let us know how it goes! Still sending healing

[jessiesmom12202]

hunter is doing good.. up and playing... it has taken him a few days to bounc back but he is doing good.

[mcco5543]

yay that's wonderful! so glad to hear it!

[n3rdchik]

Yeah! Glad to hear he's doing better!

[Dodger67]

Awesome! :Banane21:

[jessiesmom12202]

Well we just compleated a 24 hour stay in the hospital getting fluids. Come to find out Hunter caught a virus in the hospital getting his shunt. We aer back home now and he is feeling much better. It just make me so mad that you go in foe one thing and you caome out with something else wrong.

[mcco5543]

That loss of fluid can really do a number..so glad he's back up to par. I hate that too. Always happens to me as well.

[Dodger67]

Hospitals are evil places - ful of nasty diseases!
Glad he's on the mend! :dance2:

[jessiesmom12202]

well Hunter is back to NORMAL and driveing Momma crazy. I would rather have this than the way he was.

[mcco5543]

never thought you'd hear yourself say "I'd rather have my kid driving me crazy" did ya? Disability can be a blessing like that sometimes. You appreciate even the "insanity" that is a young kid!

So glad to hear this news! Stay well!

[Dodger67]

It's taken a full week instead of just overnight but we're all glad he's back to normal. :Banane21:

[jessiesmom12202]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers while Hunter was getting his shunt.