Feb 2013 9th Visit to Hospital - LP Shunt Surgery

On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Stephanie underwent Lumboperitoneal Shunt Surgery in order to assist in the drainage of excess cerebral spinal fluid from her brain.  As you will see in the pictures, there were three incisions - one on her spine where the catheter fed up through her spinal column, one on her side/hip where the actual valve is placed under the skin, and one on her abdomen where the catheter is fed in to her peritoneal cavity to drain the fluid which is re-absorbed by the body.

Meet Isla - I made this doll for Stephanie the weekend before her surgery.  She was thrilled to open a present after surgery.  Isla and Miss Piggy kept her safe and in good company.

 

 

 Stephanie in the recovery ward shortly after surgery.

 

 

 This plastic box held Stephanie's hospital file(s)...I think it'll need wheels soon!

 

 

 One of the nurses on CK3 Surgical Ward must have heard we were coming and printed a great welcome sign for Stephanie.  We spent so much time with them last summer that they knew us well!

 

 

 Steph meeting Isla and having a nice snuggle.

 

 

 Day One - Sleeping and snoring...

 

 

 Abdomen incision - catheter from her spine travels around her side, attaches to her valve on her side and into her peritoneal cavity to drain excess cerebral spinal fluid.

 

 

 Abdomen and Side incisions.

 

 

 Day Three - Bandages came off

 

 

 Side Incision - Valve is placed here under her skin

 

 

Spine Incision

 

 

 Spine Incision - Catheter is fed up into spinal column from here and to the left to connect to the valve on her hip.

 

Day Six - Stephanie was having a miserable morning so I got out the Tylenol 3's, got her to sleep for a few hours and gave her lots of Coca Cola (caffeine) for pain and low pressure headache.