Carly had been giving us signs that her shunt was not working quite right, and it became clear that she was in need of a revision. Today at 3pm we headed up to UCSF and just before five she headed into the OR. From her symptoms over the last few weeks we expected that the catheter going from the valve to her belly was partially obstructed and that is what Dr. Gupta found during the surgery. He replaced that catheter as well as the valve and she was out of the OR around 6:30. Dr. Gupta commented on how much better the CSF looks, being much more clear than it has been in a very long time. A tap earlier in the week showed that the protein has dropped to near 300, which is why it is finally starting to look more typical. At this protein level Carly is getting close to the point when the shunts should be able to work as designed, and hopefully obstructions will soon be a thing of the past. Carly was a bit uncomfortable just after surgery but she is doing better now and is resting peacefully. We should be discharged tomorrow morning, and will hopefully still be starting our road trip early next week. Thanks for sending love our way, it is always a big help for all of us.
Love, Brad
3 comments:
that's great news about the protein levels heading in the right direction. hope they keep dropping so the shunt revisions aren't needed anymore and Carly can stay comfortable. Hope she is recovering well from this last one and that you all have a wonderful trip.
sending lots of love your way, as always!!
Happy to hear that things are getting better. And hoping that Carly is feeling better now. You've got a fresh shunt and a good report to begin your trip. Enjoy it and welcome to this great country, Kempton!
We're all glad to hear those protein levels are starting to
decline. Still praying for Carly and hoping you all get to share the SE trip w/her and Kemp. And I hope to meet Kemp soon too!
Love, Beth and Carly's East Coast Groupies
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