Let's talk about shunt surgery

I would have never thought it

For those who follow this blog regularly, you know that I developed hydrocephalus about one week after I was born.  You might also remember that I became symptomatic last October. Up to this point I have done okay treating the symptoms with medication, but they are getting worse, so, this coming week, I have an appointment at Emory University Hospital for a surgical consultation to either implant a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, do an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), or, maybe, both. Whichever Dr. Olson and I agree on, I am ready and look forward - following my recovery - to returning to a quality of life that I enjoy and that benefits those around me.

As I say, I am at peace with the surgery, however, after seeing a video on YouTube, one aspect of the shunt implant raise my anxiety (and pain level) a notch. It involves what I refer to as the "Moses stick" (surgical, stainless steel rod) they use to guide the tubing toward its final destination in my peritoneal cavity. I have been assured by my hydrocephalus family that I will be getting the "good stuff" for pain so any discomfort I feel should be minimal.

They will keep me going

Regardless of how it plays - surgical intervention or continued treatment with medication - I have the most awesome support system a guy could ask for and I believe it is because they have "been there, done that" so they are not only helping me to grasp what's before me, but calming my fears. I love my sweet "hydro family". ❤