So much of what we face in life we have no control over. Some things we can change or simply eradicate from our lives. (That goes for some people too). But, sometimes there aren’t choices given with the challenges we have to endure. The only choice we get, is...
Hydrocephalus
Haemorrhage during brain surgery has lasting effects…
You look at me and see the same person but, on the inside, I’m existing in a living nightmare..! C. A. Marriday A repeat ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy), performed on 4 May 2021, brain surgery #6, resulted in a haemorrhage during surgery. The effects of which have only escalated...
There’s so much more going on beneath the surface than you realise!
An iceberg seems appropriate for this post and, the sinking of the Titanic, is a perfect example of not realising the full extent of what lurks beneath the surface, hence the image I chose to use. IMHO! The unseen can sometimes cause more damage than what’s apparent to the...
Ever feel like you’re losing your mind..? Part 2 of 2
For context, you can read Part 1 of 2 here. I’ve always been one to take care of others, especially my children. The thought of “slipping”, is leaving me feeling quite perplexed! C. A. Marriday I know there’s not much I can physically do to change any of what...
Ever feel like you’re losing your mind..?
Part 1 of 2 That’s rhetorical! However, my question is sincere and this is why… Having hydrocephalus and enduring brain surgery (repeatedly) takes a toll on you. We never really know what the effects will be. Symptoms, surgery and recovery, may differ with each operation, per person. For those...
Ever feel like you’re caught in brain paralysis..?
(Not sure if that’s even a thing but, it is for me) I’ve always been able-bodied. So, my comparison will be based on what I “assume” it’s like to lose function. I can’t really explain it but, my brain feels stuck. I wasn’t born with hydrocephalus so, knowing what...
Don’t go out without a fight..!
Some days it feels like I’m literally floating through life, day by day. Caught in a never ending loop, facing the challenges this condition imposes. I want and need a break… Faced with the reality that the treatment options, keeping me alive, are not ideal. They fail. They need...
Shunt infection is the last thing anyone wants or needs!
There’s so much you need to remember and be aware of and yet, it’s quite simple. Contradictory, I know! There are a few things we need to be aware of but, there are so many times you doubt yourself. The questions never end and nor does the second-guessing… I’ve...
Living with a VP Shunt is not new to me but, this time, it’s different.
For a start, I can hear my shunt draining CSF when I change positions or tilt my head a certain way. This is something I did not experience with my Medtronic programmable shunt. There are even times where I can hear the little ball inside the valve, rolling around...
Know your headache triggers and when to react
Stress induced headaches are bad enough to mimic hydrocephalus headaches. The last 3 days and nights, I’ve had this kind of pain. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take any pain relief strong enough to alleviate the discomfort. So, I grin and bear. Thankfully today, my 45th birthday, the...