Shunt

[myangelsx]

Hi

My daughter was is 3 weeks old, born 8 weeks early. She's had a bleed on her brain which has resulted in lots of fluid that needs draining however she's going to eventually need a shunt for the rest of her life 😢

Obviously I'm distraught I'm a young mom and I can only imagine how she's going to feel when she's my age, I know this is what she needs to drain the fluid but it breaks my heart 💔

Has anybody been through this and can give me some guidance? I haven't been told the cons of it yet for example what she isn't going to be able to do, how big it's going to be, will people notice?

Please help

xx

Supposed to say is 3 weeks old, was born early

Just wanted to give you these
Can’t offer any advice, but we’re here and listening xx

Hi OP

I've had a shunt fitted for nearly 40 years from being 10 mths old. I'm sure in that time medical science has moved on dramatically too.

I don't know too much about the specifics of your daughters situation but it hasn't stopped me doing anything at all.

Mine is still in there as I didn't get it removed but I'd recommend getting it removed once it's no longer required (if possible)

Best of luck x

My 5 year old was born with hydrocephalus and for a long time we thought he would need a shunt but recently the pressure on his brain has decreased so we are hopeful he won't need one.

@chickenchip They have said if they do have to fit the shunt they can't remove it as it's such a major operation.

I think I'm just so worried about people picking on her as she grows up if it is quite noticeable, the world is such a cruel place

Hi OP

I’m so sorry to hear this

I was born 9 weeks early and also had hydrocephalus, which led to having a shunt fitted. That was 26 years ago, and I’m right as rain now :) Medical science has developed so much over the last twenty years, so I’m sure that your DD will thrive after having the shunt fitted

Quite a different situation but my dad has had one following a brain haemorrhage for about 34 years. He was 30 when he got it. You can't see it at all, only feel it if you know what you are feeling for. It has never stopped him from doing anything and I would suspect he would no longer be here without it, as his situation was very critical at the time.

Hope your little one recovers well

My shunt really isn't visible and it's 39 years old! So I'm sure they're not visible now. The only reason I say to get it removed once it's not working is that mine isn't working anymore. It can be removed but scar tissue has grown around it so it makes it more difficult.

Best wishes

All best wishes

One of my colleagues has one, fitted much later in life (30s). I only know because she told me (describes it as brain plumbing). She is one of the most positive, energetic, outgoing people I know. Also professionally very successful.

Hi OP - my niece has had a shunt in places since she was 21mo, she is now 13. She had a brain tumour that was blocking her fluid flow, so the shunt was in case it regrew (it hasn't)

They also said then that they won't remove it unless it becomes more dangerous to leave it in situ, for e.g. if it got infected, but it never has to date.

They pass the tubing from the brain into the stomach and put extra in there to allow for growth - my 13yo niece is already 5ft 6 (her dad is very tall!) and no problems so far! In my niece's case, the tubing is under her skin but as far as I know it's caused her no bother.

Sorry this is needed but your baby should be fine with a shunt. xx

My little man was born 29 weeks and had a shunt fitted at 4 weeks old, it's really not noticeable it was when he was tiny but as his hair grew it covered it just fine. Please feel free to pm me and I'll show you what it look like.

Bless you. What a stressful thing to be going through xx

Just wanted to say how great mumsnet can be with such helpful posts. Hope this has brought you some reassurance Op.

Thanks everyone so much this has made me feel so much better

Just wanted to add, my nephew had to have a shunt fitted at a young age about 16 years ago. Definitely not visible, you wouldn’t know unless you knew and he’s living a very exciting life having just been scouted by a premier league football club! Hope your little girl is ok

My friends little one has a shunt, I honestly can't tell.

Are you on Facebook op? I'd advise joining a premmie parents group, I can guarantee we'll habe lots of babies with similar experiences and support