There some things in life that no one can prepare you for… For example: Take a diagnosis like Hydrocephalus, an incurable condition, at a pivotal time in your life. An interruption to your norm with brain surgery being the ONLY treatment option, for the rest of your days. It...
Hydrocephalus
Faking being OK when you’re physically not, is far harder than faking being sick.
As someone diagnosed with Hydrocephalus and living with a brain injury, this is a sore point, obviously. People don’t necessarily have to say they don’t believe your symptoms; their actions (or even inaction) speak loudly and clear enough. Seeing beyond an invisible illness or injury, is a difficult one,...
Brain Injury: The invisible disability.
Hydrocephalus and brain injury won’t define my outcome, I reserve that right!
Cognitive impairment is NOT the same as intellectual disability
It seems common for people to (incorrectly) assume that brain injury, causing cognitive impairment, is the same as intellectual disability. The extent of the injury will be dependent on the location of injury. In saying this, I do not presume to speak for the next person with a brain...
Incidental MRI finding: Highlighting what lurks beneath the surface.
Despite hearing my surgeon speak, providing medical information, sound no longer filtered through my eardrum. After some time (I’m not sure how long), I drifted slowly back to the sound of his voice. I heard Dr Tollesson half thinking out loud; “How do you get a patient not to...
Brain injury wreaks havoc on relationships so protect your heart
Finding the balance, living life with hydrocephalus and brain injury, is tricky. Relationships take strain and fall apart. The loss of some relationships has been sad for me. But I’m realizing that this is inevitable unless the required effort is made by all parties. Truthfully, some have been easier...
Cognitive Impairment: Advice For Dealing With This Life Changing Event
My top piece of advice in this instance, NEVER give up on yourself! I feel like I’ve been neglecting my website, that includes anyone who follows this blog. For that, I do apologise. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely within my control. Nevertheless, I also know it is far from the...
Hydrocephalus can feel like being on a journey without a destination
There’s no manual for surviving, or living with, hydrocephalus. The effects of the condition, and the consequences of treatment options, touch every aspect of a person’s life. Also, we all experience the condition differently. I still maintain, how YOU feel about YOUR own journey, is up to YOU. Don’t...
Positive self-talk is so much better!
Ever hear of negative self-talk? I’m sure most people have and are VERY familiar with it. I know I sure am. There’s NO shame in that! However, I have found that the opposite, (though it requires effort), is much more beneficial. For those of us diagnosed with hydrocephalus, be it...
It’s been a painful few days.
I’ve been dealing with a headache that won’t go away, lasting all day and night. Nausea, no vomiting. Lack of appetite. And, my shunt felt tight initially, pulling down the right side of my head. Thankfully that’s subsided. I tried to see if I could hear “Sophy” (my shunt)...