13th ETV Anniversary

In other news, today is the 13th anniversary of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedure that kept me shunt-free for 12.5 years. I'm pretty dang emotional about that. We don't know why it's not working or why my CSF isn't getting absorbed in the brain. Regardless, it's a pretty bitter-sweet day for me now that I'm shunt-dependent and that these shunts keep failing.

We finally got home a few minutes ago from the UofU ER. I couldn't stay on top of my pain levels and had to get help. They were incredibly nice and accommodating and listened to both of us very carefully. This was probably the best experience I've ever had at a urgent or emergent care facility. My symptoms (craaaazy bad headache, nausea and vomiting, double vision) and the scans confirmed to everyone that the surgery scheduled for Wednesday is the best next step. So they gave me meds to keep me as comfortable as possible until then.

We are SO blessed to have each of you in our life! Love you all and now I'm going to sleep.... 😴💤

Emergency Department for Pain Management

My brain didn't want to wait until my surgery on Wednesday. The pain got psycho crazy this afternoon and I kept dry heaving. So I finally called "uncle" and decided to let the drs at the UofU hospital help me manage the pain. The Dr is trying his best, but we all know CSF pressure headaches really won't go away without surgical intervention. At least the nausea has calmed down. Sheesh. Hydrocephalus is dumb.

It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass

Recovery certainly hasn't been fun, but I'm a lot more comfortable at home than I was in the hospital. Thank you again for your continued prayers! This too shall pass...




In other news... The National Hydrocephalus Association Conference 2016 is in full swing in Minneapolis. Everyone I texted or FB messaged received a request from me that they each give Dr. Walker hugs throughout the conference. He's my hero and apparently the hydrocephalus community agrees. My darling friend sent me this...