Hey Megan, welcome!

I am one of the fortunate ones in this group, in that I don't have nearly the number of problems as a lot of the others do (I mostly have headaches and migraines). I already knew lots about hydrocephalus before I joined this group, but I have learned lots more by reading the posts here. This is a very informative group. I'm sure if you have any questions or just need someone to talk with, someone in this group will be more than happy to help.

Best wishes to you!

Hi Megan,
I've had hydrocephalus since I was thirteen months old. So it's just a normal part of my life. I've had ten surgeries in all and eight were shunt related. I'm at the point now where, I just don't care if I need another surgery. I have a programmable valve and have had it since 05 without needing to be readjusted. But, it's part of me and I just deal with it and live my life to fullest. I'm 22 years old, I've graduated from college,I'm looking for job, and I'm in a relationship. I'm not letting anything get in my way, because I know that I as well as millions of others, hydrocephalics and other patients can achieve any goal we set our minds to.

Hello Megan. My name's Darla. I was born with hydrocephalus. I had a reservior surgically inserted for 1 week until I was strong enough to handle my 1st shunt placement. I currently have 2 VP (ventriculoperitoneal "stomach lining") shunts, but have had 2 VPL (ventriculopleural) shunts) in the past. I've had 28 surgeries total. To your question, when I was younger, no, I didn't used to constantly worry that my shunts were malfunctioning, but they often did. I'm not sure if my mom and grandma worried a lot about it. They were told to treat me as much as a normal child as they could. As a result of my hydrocephalus, I've had to drop out of high school, which I was doing very well in, and I also have chronic pain on my head. I've had 7 surgeries this year. The last one was on April 28th. I'm hoping that is the last one forever, but realistically, it's not. Some people are blessed enough to just have their initial shunt placement surgery and go their whole lives with no more surgeries. I'm not that lucky. It's okay though because each time is a learning and growing experience. What doesn't kill you (trust me... a TON of things have tried to kill me) makes you stronger and it also shapes who you are. If you need anything, know that any member of the group is here for you and so am I. Have a great day!

hey i just got here i was 30 when i was diagnosed whith hydro..so im kinda new to this to

Welcome, Fiddler5, this is a very informative group.

for me i was blacking out to the point of passing out. i gess i didnot know how bad i felt untill i started to feel better. i dont worry about my shunt i do have a cyist on the back of my brain. that worries me more than my shunt. megan if you have anny questions feel free to contact me

Hi Megan, welcome to the group. I was born with hydro and my last revision, so far, came in the summer of \'81. We will be here for you and if you have questions, please don\'t hesitate to ask.