Trusting your gut
This is the ONE thing that I‘ve relied on the most. More importantly, I listened to my body. As I told Dr T, I don’t have a medical degree, but it’s the only thing I have to guide me.
After having a shunt patency study on Monday, they’ve discovered a blockage at the distal end. This is the part of the shunt that drains into my abdomen. Whether or not the silence of my shunt is attributed to this, remains unanswered, at this point anyway.
*Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with me after my previous post.
I haven’t seen Dr T, so I’m not entirely sure of the plan of action. But, I suspect it may be a case of going in and seeing what needs to be done. I assume he will check the catheter and valve as demonstrated to me last Friday during our consult.
“Shunt Obstruction or Blockage
*Source: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/
A shunt blockage can occur in any part of the shunt system and may be caused by blood cells, tissue, other debris, or bacteria. Both the ventricular catheter (the portion of the tubing placed in the brain) and the distal catheter (the tubing that drains fluid to another part of the body, such as the abdomen) can become blocked. This obstruction can impede the flow of CSF, potentially leading to a buildup of pressure within the brain.”
While we now know there’s a blockage in the abdomen, which could mean replacing only the distal catheter, the concern of why I no longer hear the shunt valve, remains.
When your backup fails
“Sophy” my shunt is effectively a backup to my ETV, which was redone in May 2021, and is still patent (open). However, I had the shunt placed in 2022, because the ETV wasn’t working well enough on its own. Essentially, it serves as a backup. However, since the obstruction has left me feeling symptomatic, I suspect there’s no choice but to do either a partial revision, or replace the entire system.
While I don’t know exactly what time surgery will be, I know it’s happening today. I had my pre-op bloods, an ECG and abdominal X-ray yesterday. And, the nurse has just told me; “You’re nil by mouth. I’ll be back to give you your surgical sponge to shower once we get the theatre list. You know the drill” I sure do…
Shunts are unpredictable, ETVs too. They can and do fail at any time.
Having to endure brain surgery again is unnerving. I have mixed emotions. Past experience has taught me many things, especially brain surgery #6. I told my dad earlier; death doesn’t scare me. If that’s what lies ahead, so be it. I accept whatever comes next. Besides, the exact date and time of our death is not determined by us, it’s already been set out…
My story: Replacing the “.” with a “;”
I remain hopeful. So, my specific prayer intention going into this surgery; A successful procedure with NO further neurological damage. That I may wake up from it and keep smiling, spreading awareness and use this as a learning experience for others.
See you on the other side of this…
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