Fear…a driver for most (negative) things in life. It’s certainly blocked me from doing a few things. In fact, had it not been for fear, I now know that nothing (physically) would have happened to me. But, I stopped myself before I could reach that point. When I started...
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus: The noisy upstairs neighbour…
A few years ago, my family and I made the mistake of moving into a two storey house with another family. (I don’t recommend this to anyone unless you have what it takes. It’s the kind of situation that can make enemies out of friends and split families apart...
Hydrocephalus : Some of us don’t realise how lucky we really are…
How many brain surgeries have you had due to Hydrocephalus? Some have had a few (2..maybe even 1) others, too many to mention. Personally, I would never dream of telling the next person that they’re lying when they say they’ve had in excess of 100 brain operations. As unbelievable...
Hydrocephalus Awareness is everyone’s responsibility
Someone you love or, even you yourself, has Hydrocephalus. Or, you may have heard of the girl down the street’s cousin who has it. It really doesn’t matter. The effects of this condition, as well as the Awareness and Advocacy thereof, lies with all of us. We do it...
Hydrocephalus: Help me to help you…
This post is for all those living with and, supporting someone, diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. First off, I would like to acknowledge: The fact that you’re in this alongside your Hydro warrior is admirable. Not everyone is made to withstand the challenges life throws our way especially an Invisible illness...
Hydrocephalus: ICP Monitoring results leave me feeling “conflicted”
I’ve waited more than two weeks to hear about my ICP Monitoring results and eventually assumed that “No news, is good news”. And, as it turns out it is indeed the case. I should be relieved and happy, to say the least. But…I have mixed emotions… I requested a...
Hydrocephalus: When you hear but don’t listen…
2 weeks ago, I had ICP Monitoring done (only my 5th Hydrocephalus-related surgery since being diagnosed just over 11 years ago). There were 2 things of note, amongst others, I took away from that experience: A nurse who looked at me surprisedly when I told her I have Hydrocephalus...
Hydrocephalus: What’s the reason why doctors “refuse” to help patients?
I remember a time when things were so simple, medically speaking. You felt unwell, went to the doctor and they actually helped you. Illnesses like Cancer, which everyone knows has a slim chance of survival, depending on the stage it’s at (but it’s possible), were/are accepted for the fatal...
Hydrocephalus: The pressure test
ICP (Intracranial Pressure) Monitoring, something I’ve heard about before, seen other Hydro warriors go through but, hadn’t experienced for myself until last week. I went through the normal motions and feelings before surgery. Knowing that a piece of fibre optic transducer sensor would be going through my brain and...
Hydrocephalus: What is the right frame of mind?
This question pertains just as much to someone who has recently been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus as it does to someone facing brain surgery, which is never easy. For me personally, it doesn’t matter that people say one procedure is “not as bad” as the next, it doesn’t stop me...