I too have recently had a simular situation to yours. I had my VP shunt put in at the age of 2 monts (1979). I had revisions in the 1980s as a child and went roughly 23 years (to the best of my knowledge) with no issues. Last summer I ended up in the hospital to have a new drain tube put in because my origional one had broken in my stomach. I really couldnt afford to miss work and the pay but there was nothing I could do. I was scared as this was the first setback I had in many years and esp as an adult. Its normal to feel anger and frustration but one thing my doctor told me along time ago is that the condition is something we live with and while we may seem normal for years it can act up at any time. Like me you went for many years with no issues so see that as a good sign that as long as they caught the problem in the early stage you can still lead a fairly normal life. If you want to talk more I am good at listening.