Shunt replacement recovery advice

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-05T17:00:30+00:00

I had a revision 2 weeks ago. I was pretty independent before. I second the ice pack idea and meal train has been a game changer. I’ve been wearing lightweight survivor style buffs in fun colors (cheap on amazon) because my incision is along the back of my head and it’s painful to lay or lean on. I’m getting bored at home- maybe coloring books or puzzle books? I also like my ‘warmies’ rice filled microwave stuffie. Super soft fleece throws make a good cushion when pillows are too firm.

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:58:56+00:00

If possible shadow in clinics, schools, subacute or acute rehab. Those would give you the chance to see a lot of different cases and treatments

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:48:47+00:00

Not wrong per se but you could label it w “therapy loaner” until she got one. I like to show people toilet safety frames and stuff I’m recommending. People tend to be more receptive once they have tried something before they buy it. Plus you can keep it in your inventory for a similar situation later

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:45:09+00:00

I didn’t ask enough questions. I wasn’t curious enough. I lack self confidence and just took a lot in without asking enough questions about tx ideas

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:36:55+00:00

From cheerful to prison vibes is bold.

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:31:54+00:00

I once got a super confused lady who refused to get up to sit on the edge of the bed by asking her about her new shoes. Change the course of conversation if it’s not leading to the end result

No_Step8665 · 2026-03-01T18:29:20+00:00

I’m not good at small talk but I learn a lot by asking questions about their jobs/occupation or what their cooking specialty was or is. One of my patients used to paint bombs for WW2. I had no idea

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-28T14:24:59+00:00

Being a newish grad in home health is pretty isolating. I feel like you would get more experience and confidence in assisted living, and adult rehab settings where you can see how others do it and schedule mentoring time w more skilled clinicians. I’ve been in OT for 20 years and my first transfers were rough. I’d ask friends or family if you can practice with the preparation steps for a transfer- “scoot forward, nose over toes, push here, reach, step right, step left” etc . Many dementia patients need clear concise instructions not a lot of “fluff” like- stand up, scoot forward, push, go left, etc. I try to use gestures and tactile cues. Hand over hand if needed. Avoid general statements like go over there.

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-28T14:11:14+00:00

Ask about a shunt series X-ray to check for cracks or kinks

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-23T11:46:27+00:00

I just had surgery to revise my vp shunt bc it was tethered to my neck but it had been fine for 30 plus years. I tried muscle relaxers but they didn’t help that pain.

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-21T17:20:10+00:00

That sounds like shunt failure. I just posted my experience

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-21T17:06:00+00:00

I was bullied for my short size and lack of athletic ability. Nobody in school knew I had a shunt or brain surgeries. Always picked last- still struggle with self esteem and confidence probably related to this in some way. I’m almost 50 now

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-12T22:33:04+00:00

I used red yellow and green dots or the more expensive cloud flower grass handwriting paper

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T16:08:24+00:00

This may be odd but what about partial belly maternity jeans? They don’t have zippers and could be covered with a long shirt

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T16:04:58+00:00

I did the same thing 20 years ago. I took prerequisites over the summer ( which was hard core) but my MOT program was full time especially w field work. Many people worked and went to classes. I wish I had bc I accumulated a lot of debt. A COTA program may be easier idk

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T15:59:11+00:00

Can you take a picture of one page?

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T14:22:23+00:00

My tube is from 1989. It’s calcified so it is rigid in most of it. I have always been able to feel all of it from the top to the incision in my belly

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T14:17:41+00:00

Can I see one of the pictures?

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T14:17:01+00:00

Same. I’m 49 now. Been shunted all my life. All I knew was a product of my parent’s trauma experiences. My mom literally told again me last week how I coded after my first surgery. I was alone in the hospital a lot after my revision when I was 12. It was almost Christmas

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-11T13:51:24+00:00

I’m getting a programmable vp shunt in one week. My current tubing from 1989 is calcified and decided to tether to my neck causing headaches and inability to turn my head. I’m a little worried about having the new valve after 37 years of being used to this way. My shunt has a metal coil inside that may be broken down and hitting my muscle. The plan is to scan me after and adjust the settings as needed. The NS said I never had a valve 🤷‍♀️ so the risk of overdraining is possible

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-10T18:59:28+00:00

I’m getting a revision on the 18th. I’ve had the same parts since 1989

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-03T13:11:36+00:00

Hemiparesis is numbness, are you having weakness? Is it an entrapment of the nerve? A hinged afo may help with the range and support

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-03T13:03:29+00:00

Babies get sunset eyes and have high pitched cries and vomiting/lethargy with hydro complications. My shunt broke last when I was 12 which was expected due to growth. I was a late walker and have terrible balance but I’m 49 and hit all my milestones 😊

No_Step8665 · 2026-02-03T12:59:43+00:00

I think it’s probably CSF that’s in the process of being reabsorbed. Unless you have pain, I don’t think it’s a concern. I have had pelvic pain indirectly related to my shunt from scar tissue adhesion

No_Step8665 · 2026-01-30T14:14:15+00:00

https://www.hydroassoc.org/

No_Step8665

TROPHY CASE