CSF Leak - would love to hear from anyone who experienced this after MVD surgery

I had MVD surgery on Dec. 14th and then had a CSF leak. I still have a pocket of fluid that is at the base of my incision. Sometimes it is soft and mushy and sometimes it gets hard and I can feel pressure and it stings. I had a spinal tap and drew some of the fluid off couple of weeks ago but now they say the leak has stopped and the rest of the fluid will be absorbed into my body. Would just like to know how long that might take and if anyone else has experienced this. Thanks!

I had a MVD on left side in April of 2010, then had a CSF leak also. Immediately after the MVD I was in so much pain. My back cramped up so badly that I could never get comfortable, not to mention any sleep, plus a head ache. I knew something was wrong.( I had a MVD on the Right side in 2005 and had surgical fluid leak. The surgical fluid went down my spine and caused my legs and buttocks to hurt so much I thought I’d go crazy. They did a spinal tap at that time too.) Almost two weeks after my 2010 surgery spinal fluid was leaking through my incision. It leaked out so much my clothes were getting wet. I was in an inpatient rehab hospital at the time, but was admitted quickly back to the Hospital. Had surgery to patch the incision, but after a MRI it showed leaking into my neck. I spent three days flat in bed, with a spinal tap draining into some contraption by my bed. Couldn’t move, not fun. Then had surgery again. this time a Shunt was put in my head and a drain down to my stomach. Had some complications. Spent another two weeks in the hospital, then back to rehab hospital for another two weeks. Now it’s almost a year. I’m still experiencing problems, but not sure why. Possibly my Shunt needs to be adjusted. I will find out on the 28th of Feb.

LaDonna: I am so sorry. Mine has stopped leaking they say because the headaches have stopped. I just don't know why this lump in my head won't go away. One time I saw it leaking out of my incision. It swells and get firmer and then it goes down and is mushy. I just don't understand it. I am so sorry for all your complications. That sounds horrible. I am so happy I didn't have to have the lumbar drain. They mentioned a shunt too be thankfully mine stopped (or so they say).

Take care and thanks for the reply.

Laura W just went through this last month and then got infection, was put back in hospital 2 or 3 times. Search for her name in the search box, top right corner, to read her updates and comments about it.

Blessings, Sheila

I can find her page but I can’t see anything she wrote…just what others commented to her? Can you help me?

Oops I wrongly replied to this question on your home page, comments section. Sorry. Seems like you have learned more than I even knew just by reading what others commented about, so you taught me something! She's an amazing young lady! Please read comment on your page.

Sheila

Cathy Collum said:

I can find her page but I can't see anything she wrote...just what others commented to her? Can you help me?

Well oops for me too because I replied on your page to your comments. Too long to rewrite. Thanks for your concern.

No problem Cathy, got it on my page.

Sheila