Hi , I have had 5 shunts over a 35 year period and so many MRI scans I lost count . Pain around the shunt valve and track is very common and doesn’t indicate a problem . I use to worry about infection getting into the Shunt and my GP at the time use to prescribe high dose of Antibioctics - I have since found out that getting infection into shunt is extremely rare and usually occurs when they are operating on you. I still get pain around the valve even though this shunt was ligated ( made redundant ) . I have mentioned this numerous times to my neurosurgeon but as yet don’t really know why . As such I have use painkillers to take edge of things . It usually settles down over time . If you are really anxious then speak to your GP and he / she can maybe see if MRI can be brought forward.
For me the ache/pain has only occurred in the past 6 month or so (had shunt 7 years) and when I told my GP he emailed the neurosurgeon for an appointment there and then (he seemed a bit concerned) painkillers subside the ache/pain but not for long.. it is probably nothing but best safe than sorry.
The MRI is 5 days away so I’m quite happy to hold on, it’s mainly laying in the scanner that sets my anxieties off but I know it’s for the good.
A lot of people I’ve spoken with seem to have had their shunt replaced after a few years.
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