Hydrocephalus

[Shuntman]

Hydrocephalus,hi I'm a 47 year old , I was diagnosed with non pressurised hydrocephalus ,September 2019 , it was mis diagnosed and turned out to be pressurised, I ended up not being able to walk properly and then not at all, suffered debilitating headaches, severe vomiting fits, I believe that I was close to dying when I went to hospital by ambulance,they did a MRI as soon as I got to Southampton general and operated within 8 hours of my arrival, the surgery by, dr chak ro borty fit a shunt, I awoke 3 hours later feeling utterly amazing and being rid of my debilitating symptoms, I believe I've been so lucky to have this result, my life is pretty much back to normal, I'm half way learning to paraglide and have been spearfishing and dived to 5 metres which is not deep , but I thought I would not ever be doing these sports ever again, I hope this helps someone to relive hydrocephalus or a shunt doesn't mean problems, it can be unbelievably good, I'm aware problems could still happen with it but for the time being I'm enjoying a great life with few limitations, I hope this helps someone facing these problems fearing a negative outcome !! I am living testament that you can still thrive after hydrocephalus an vp shunt, regards

Matt

[Shreds]

I would second that. It can be possible to recover a normal existance. Medical science and those who perform it are truly wonderful, life giving people.

[Froggiefrog]

I can certainly confirm that, having been diagnosed at 6 weeks old with hydrocephalus, I have stayed true to my ambition to make it play as little a part in my life as circumstances allow. In 55 years, I have done a lot with my life, which helps me to put the times when things don't go so well into perspective. Having the 'gas' turned down on my adjustable shunt two weeks ago has left me with a few issues to iron out...but as that wasn't an option with all of the ones I have had previously, it would seem churlish to complain...so I won't.

[lcd8]

Hi Matt, So glad to hear you are doing so well after your Shunt placement. All the best to you. My experience is fairly similar. I started getting really painful headaches and vomiting when I was 12. My GP insisted this was migraine. But the episodes got longer and longer, sometimes lasting for week at a time. Thank heavens my mum kept pestering the docs and at 14 I had my first CT scan which showed acute hydrocephalus. I had an emergency shunt placement.