Question on Timing for 1st Shunt Placement

[CalebsMommy12]

I am still pregnant and we met recently for the first time with the neurosurgeon who will be performing Caleb's surgery and placing his shunt once he arrives. The Doctor actually told us that she prefers to wait about a week after doing the spinal surgery to place the shunt in. I'm just wondering if this timing is normal? Thank you

[jellolegs23]

The timing for a shunt placement is different for each child depending how far along the Hydrocephalus has progressed and the severity of it. Mine was first place when I was 7 days old but as I said each child is different.

[Dodger67]

I've heard of cases where it was only needed a few months later, also some who clearly needed it right from day one. It is completly individual but most seem to get them within a week.

A few of us (such as myself) never need a shunt at all.

[Ziggy]

Micah's hydro wasn't bad initially, and they watched his ventricles via ultrasound every other day while he was in the NICU. On day 9 his ventricles were slightly larger, indicating that he needed the shunt. So it was placed on day 10 (and he came home on day 15!)

[smoop]

My daughter wasn't shunted until she was 3 months of age because that's when her hydro started increasing significantly.

[jveprek]

Madi was born with pretty significant hydro, so they did the shunt when they closed her back. It raises the infection chances slightly, but also got us home in 5 days.

[Kari]

Zach was 10 days old when he had his 1st shunt placed.

[CalebsMommy12]

Thats good to know thanks for the info. Every case is unique seems to be the general consensus :)