In my opinion (which is all I can account for), although shunts are prone to many problems, I think they can greatly improve your quality of life. I have gone 13 years without any problems before, and some have gone longer, and when I wasn't having problems, I was able to completely forget that I even had hydrocephalus. I think it is different depending on your precipitating factors (mine was bacterial meningitis) and your symptoms (headaches etc.), but for me, when my shunt is working, I can live a "normal" life. Hope this was helpful and GOOD LUCK next week! I'm rooting for you!