I just joined this forum tonight. I have hydrocephalus and after my first shunt surgery in 2004 I wound up developing epilepsy as a result of having that shunt put in. My shunt only lasted 11 months before it started failing and the doctors locally wouldn't do anything about it. I had to walk around 1 and 1/2 years like that before anything was done. I finally had to go out of state to Baltimore for help to Johns Hopkins Hospital after attending a hydrocephalus conference in May of 2006. I met Dr. Michael Williams at that conference and was so impressed with him, I asked to become his patient even though I live in Minnesota. He said yes and though I had to travel to Baltimore 2 other times, it saved my life as far as I'm concerned. I did need a second shunt surgery from what he told me so I had that done just this past November.

I was not diangosed with hydrocephalus until I was 33 though I had symptoms as early as 17. I was told for years I had migranes. Finally I met someone that pushed the system to have tests done like CTs and an MRI done and the hydrocephalus was finally found. I also was told I wasn't born with it but it was due to head trauma. I know why too. I was abused growing up by my step-father... hit in the head and sometimes knocked unconsious from the blows to the head. I suspect that could have caused the hydrocpehalus in the first place.

I also have Bipolar disorder as well and was diagosed with that when I was 30. I also have PTSD and get occasional panic attacks as a result of the abuse my step-father did.

Anyway that is a basic introduction of me.

Terri

Hi, Terri, and welcome. Many who know more than I will be along shortly. Sorry for your news but glad you made it here.

Hi Terri. Really glad you joined!!!!

T. J.

Terri,

Happy to see you have come aboard with the rest of us here. You have come to a group of wonderful people that show a lot of comfort and answer questions if they are able.

I hope to see you around more.

Darlene

Welcome Teri!

I too have epilepsy. I've had two brain surgeries done to remove the scar tissue that caused my seizures. Even though the surgeries were a success, I still have seizures.

I also have sleep apnea due to the second brain surgery. I've also got stomach problems partly from my meds and partly from the fact that colon cancer runs on my fathers side of the family. My sinus allergies just add more problems.

Due to all of that, I have a great job, am working on my bachelors degree in accounting/management, and sing with a semi-professional choir.

I'm glad to see that you made it through your hard part. As you can see, I did too. Welcome to the boards.

Becky