I am a 79 year old male. For 2 years now, have had a shunt for hydrocephalus / brain tumor / slow growing / found in 1997/ size of golfball in the right ventricle. I have increasing water retention in legs lately and forgot to take HCHLorathizide for a week. Back on now. Must I expect belly bloating to be a part of life with a shunt?
Hello, Since you forgot to take the diuretic pill, fluid may accumulate into your peritoneal cavity as well, so, it is possible to experience some bloating. If this does not improve after restarting of the medication, you should have a checkup (initially an ultrasound of the abdomen) in order to evaluate any shunting malfunctioning. There should not be bloating for a long time even with a ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. 