Seeking Advice on Medical Concerns
I am 43 years old and have a complex medical history that began after I suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2024. At that time, I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which the doctors indicated was likely incidental. An external ventricular drain was placed but later removed. Unfortunately, due to persistent headaches, I underwent VP shunt placement surgery a few months later. This procedure led to a series of significant complications, including pelvic issues and constant abdominal pain.
I have had multiple abdominal interventions and continue to experience pain in both my abdomen and pelvis. Additionally, I suffer from tension headaches and significant neurological disturbances, despite numerous adjustments to the shunt's settings. Recently, a new neurosurgeon reviewed an MRI scan from 2024 and informed me that it shows no evidence of obstruction, which means I am not a candidate for an endoscopic procedure.
For now, the neurosurgeon has recommended a lumbar puncture to more accurately assess my pressure levels. If the pressure turns out to be normal, he plans to prescribe other medications to manage my headaches, which he believes may not be related to intracranial pressure. On the other hand, if I continue to experience abdominal discomfort, the only viable option would be to relocate the catheter from the pelvis to the lungs.
Everything that has happened has left me feeling very anxious. I would like to know if anyone else has gone through something similar or if I might simply be overly sensitive to pain. Should I endure the pain and stop seeking further medical consultations?