Hi, @nikkivpshunt - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'd be perplexed, too, if I had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for years with no serious issues, and then I started experiencing stomach pain that doctors could not pinpoint as appendicitis, gallstones or a shunt problem.

I'd like to introduce you to some Connect members who may have some thoughts about the pain symptoms for which you are trying to get answers and relief, like @user_chdb5e8ac @jenniferhunter @johnbishop @lady1lake @stephenluptak.

I am not a medical professional, but I did want to provide this Mayo Clinic information on hydrocephalus https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hydrocephalus/symptoms-causes/syc-20373604. Relevant to your situation may be the information in the Diagnosis and Treatment tab at the top, under the Treatment section, Complications of Surgery:

Complications of surgery
Both surgical procedures can result in complications. Shunt systems can stop draining cerebrospinal fluid or poorly regulate drainage because of mechanical malfunctions, blockage or infections. Complications of ventriculostomy include bleeding and infections.

Any failure requires prompt attention, surgical revisions or other interventions. Signs and symptoms of problems may include:

Fever
Irritability
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Vision problems
Redness, pain or tenderness of the skin along the path of the shunt tube
Abdominal pain when the shunt valve is in the abdomen
Recurrence of any of the initial hydrocephalus symptoms

Wondering if a neurosurgeon has evaluated you and your current symptoms, @nikkivpshunt?