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...
Articles with the Tag Fear and Anxiety
Hydrocephalus and the art of war…
She stood her ground and so did he. They are warriors of a different kind. In the days of war (I can only imagine), facing an unknown opponent, you have no idea what their strengths or weaknesses are. Nor, do you know, what tactical moves they will use to...
What are your little “quirks” before surgery?
It’s been quite a challenge getting back into writing. These last few months have certainly taken a toll on me but, progress is evident. I don’t know if it’s my last brain surgery in May, which left me paranoid but, I always find myself trying to solve the “world’s”...
Money Or Your Life..?
It’s not an easy decision to make. It might seem obvious but reality dictates otherwise. And, unfairly so at times… I’m at a crossroad, one I’ve faced before, so many times. I finally found a surgeon who thinks outside the box and agrees my ETV is partially blocked. That...
Ever feel like you’re falling apart…literally?
I feel like I’m being “chipped” away piece by piece. Apparently some body parts you can live without, who knew? Some surgeries improve things and others bring more complications than you bargained for. This has been a consistent (almost rebellious) communication from the doctors I’ve spoken with over these...
Hydrocephalus: Vision loss is scary and Migraines suck!
My central vision blacked out on Christmas Eve, while working, sending me into a bit of a panic. People’s faces were reduced to half an image and text was darn near impossible to read! I smiled at the receptionist on my way out of the office, whilst freaking out...
Hydrocephalus: Some food for thought…
I can be angry that life dealt me the Hydro card. I can curse everything under, around or above the sun…but, it won’t make a difference. 29 years old and living a reasonably sheltered life (as far as this condition goes), that’s the reality I faced before I read...
Hydrocephalus : Do you limit yourself when it comes to learning?
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: 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 : Losing your eyesight
There are so many what ifs with Hydrocephalus. What if I need further brain surgery? What if my short term memory doesn’t improve? What if I don’t recover from surgery? What if something goes wrong during surgery? What if my shunt/ETV fails? What if I don’t recognise the signs...