Re: Re: pseudo-tumor cerebri

Posted by PATTI SARR on 01/04/03 at 01:15 AM

I too suffer from this illness--however, after 13 consecutive spinal taps, I opted for a Lumbar-Peritoneal shunt--it was surgically placed in my LP spine and it regulates the pressure on my brain by eliminating excess spinal fluid into a drainage tube that empties into my stomach. I had this shunt placed more than 10 years ago. I have been doing fine until just recently--I began to experience severe headaches (explosive), changes in my vision and hearing and painful spasms in my neck. Then, on Christmas, a black spot appearred in the middle of my right eye\'s field of vision. Today\'s appt with an opthamologist confirmed what I feared--my optic nerves are once again swollen. I was advised to follow up with my neurologist to have the shunt evaluated. Personally, I do believe that this disease can cause some other \"emotional\" disorders. I find that I easily become depressed and I go through periods of intense anxiety--during these times, my decision making ability deteriorates, as does my ability to cope with every day pressures. If you daughter is experiencing these types of side affects, I highly recommend that she seek counseling and seek medical attention. My doctor is thoroughly involved in assessing my \"total\" health--mental, physical and emotional. If at any time you feel your doctor is not listening to you, obtain a second opinion. Due to my complicated medical history (I also have polycystic kidney disease), I have had the misfortune of obtaining some pretty terrible medical advice. If in doubt--check it out! Don\'t feel intimidated by the doctors\' degrees--remember--they are \"practicing\" medicine and are only human. I\'ve even had to \"fire\" a few doctors and I have no regrets. I own my well being. If you are worried about your daughter, please--find a good neurologist, an internist and a counselor. Best wishes

Replies	Posted By	#	Date & Time
Re: Re: Re: pseudo-tumor cerebri	M.K.	0	01/14/03 04:19 AM
Re: Re: Re: pseudo-tumor cerebri	JESSICA	4	01/04/03 11:30 PM