I'm new here
 

Hi,

I'm Rob. I was born with hydrocephalus. I dealt with this condition (treated with VP shunt) during childhood/adolescence. From 1988 until this year I had no symptoms of hydrocephalus. In March I was taken to the ER for a severe headache of about two weeks duration. Hydrocephalus was diagnosed again and I underwent a shunt revision.

Right now, I feel fine physically; however, emotionally I am a bit angry. This is probably because hydrocephalus stole over a month of my life from me, and also probably due to the fact that I now have to deal with this condition again if/when the shunt stops working.

I know that the anger will fade, and that once I get back to a normal routine that my emotional state will improve as well. I guess I just have to give the whole process time.

Hello & Welcome!!
 

Hello Rob!
 

Welcome to NT! :hug:

You've found a fantastic place for support and understanding!
Darlene pointed you to a forum that will no doubt be of great help.
Make yourself at home, you're among friends.

I can relate to what you say about the anger issues. They are real and it helps to talk about it. There is so much to be had here at NT.

It's great to have you here and it'll be good to see you around the forums!
Caring,
Rae
:grouphug:

IT will get better
 

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.

Thanks!
 

Every day gets better for me emotionally. I have a therapist that I see, so that will help me as well. I went back to school last night, and will go back to work in a few days. I guess I just need to give myself time to process what was really a total "slap in the face" and to realize that I must mourn the loss of over a month of my life. I will get past the experience. It will just take time.

Good to hear
 

I am glad you are doing better and if you need a friend to listen when your therapist is not around I am here. Now that I have found this site I check it a few times a day usually before and after work depending on my schedule. Hang in there it will get better.

Thanks again
 

Chellebug,

Your response was very much appreciated. I feel better each day, and I know once that I get back to a normal routine that I will be able to return to a more "normal" emotional state.

Thanks,
Rob