Hello Everyone:
First of all I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to read my story.
It has been one hell of a ride!
After my surgery to repair a CSF leak, and laying on my back for a week with a spinal drain, the leak returned. It was brutal. Any time I stood up I would get a serious low pressure headache.
I went back to the Neurosurgeon several times and was told "it will go away on its own". Finally after researching the condition myself, I went back to the NS and suggested that I get put on some sort of medication to reduce the blood pressure.
The NS thought about it and said it wasn't a bad idea in principle, but he suggested that I take Diamox.
I started Diamox (Acetazomlamide - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetazolamide ) and was on strict bed rest for about a month.
Finally with no change, a third surgery was scheduled.
Then, almost overnight, my swelling went down. My headaches started to subside. I called my NS to discuss this, as it was only a couple of days before my scheduled surgery. He outright cancelled my surgery and said it looks like the Diaprox helped.
Now several months later, I am in great health. No nerve pain and no headaches.
I am back to work full time, and taking on my additional responsibilities (such as on-call, and working overtime)
I wanted to post this information regarding Diamox. If you decide to go ahead with MVD surgery, keep in mind that there is a significant chance of a CSF leak.
If you do get a CSF leak, you should listen to the DR and STAY IN BED.
I would request Diamox as well, it apparently reduces the amount of CSF that is created, thus reducing the pressure in your head.
Thank you all for your continued support - and please keep in touch.
Smash