Hydrocephalus

[mp327]

I am posting this in hopes that it will be encouragement to others who are living with VP shunts for hydrocephalus. I know many people have numerous surgeries/revisions during their lifetime, something I have been fortunate enough to avoid. My VP shunt was put in on December 29, 1993 when I was 40 years old. I am now 56 and had a series of x-rays and a CT scan on October 8th. because it had been 14 years since my last scan. A follow-up visit with my new neurosurgeon on October 23rd. was a very quick visit, as all news was good. The shunt looks fine, tubing is all still connected, and my ventricles have not changed in size since my last CT, which was done in 1995! I really like my new doctor--I had to find a new one because I moved to another state. He told me that even though my shunt is an "antique," if it's working fine, there's no need to "fix it." I am relieved with this news. I just wanted to let people know that although some shunts fail, some don't, as in my case. For anyone here who has just been diagnosed and received their first shunt, have hope that you will be one of the fortunate ones. As for all of you who have had to undergo numerous surgeries, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for letting me share my good news with all of you.

Martha