Health
Related: About this forumThe time may have arrived. Diagnosed with a condition 10+ years ago,
few significant symptoms (including balance issues,) but now, becoming daily burdensome, particularly my gait.
THIS is the condition, moved from Headline: hydrocephalus
Have avoided 'brain surgery,' and neurologist I first saw wasn't enthusiastic about it, but the time may have arrived. Am otherwise healthy senior, 4 young grandkids, but may look for a 'shunter' soon.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hydrocephalus/symptoms-causes/syc-20373604
XanaDUer2
(10,683 posts)emulatorloo
(44,131 posts)brer cat
(24,577 posts)I hope whatever you decide will be successful.
rurallib
(62,423 posts)you are very valued here
Diamond_Dog
(32,006 posts)Bristlecone
(10,129 posts)2naSalit
(86,647 posts)Whatever you have to do next.
TygrBright
(20,762 posts)The surgery is well-understood and usually helpful, although do not be surprised if a repeat is necessary with this condition. You can get it under control and even beat it - The DH and I have a friend who made it through.
Holding you in the Light for strength and healing!
encouragingly,
Bright
elleng
(130,974 posts)ONE of the aspects that's 'encouraged' me to avoid/delay was the fairly common need for repeat.
E
CurtEastPoint
(18,650 posts)highplainsdem
(49,004 posts)with prayers and hugs.
Maraya1969
(22,483 posts)I hope you find it easy. I wouldn't be afraid though - modern medicine is far too amazing!
Response to elleng (Original post)
Chin music This message was self-deleted by its author.
questionseverything
(9,656 posts)Bothersome but not overwhelming
Cause you are the best!
MLAA
(17,298 posts)You are a treasure here and I enjoy and appreciate your posts.
usonian
(9,815 posts)Solly Mack
(90,773 posts)Keep us posted and please know we are all thinking of you.
multigraincracker
(32,688 posts)Had a friend that did well after the surgery.
elleng
(130,974 posts)Thanks
Pepsidog
(6,254 posts)Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)Fla Dem
(23,691 posts)And a quick recovery.
After all, DU couldnt get through the day without ellengs contributions.
All the best Ellen. You have all of us pulling for you!
LoisB
(7,206 posts)Peacetrain
(22,877 posts)if you have the surgery.. I have a niece that has had numerous surgeries to remove non cancerous tumors from the brain.. she has done very very well with them.
elleng
(130,974 posts)c-rational
(2,594 posts)alwaysinasnit
(5,066 posts)contributions to our digital community are much appreciated. Please keep us updated. We will be thinking of you.
iluvtennis
(19,863 posts)LNM
(1,079 posts)I don't post much but am here daily. I treasure you Metropolitan Diary posts and your posts in the Travel group.
Wishing you well.
Wicked Blue
(5,834 posts)((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))0
I read the adult symptoms and saw that I have several of them - balance, gait etc. But nobody's ever thought I had hydrocephalus, just nerve damage to the inner ear.
elleng
(130,974 posts)don't know about 'minimal treatment,' as a shunt into (or around) my brain doesn't sound minimal, but I hope so!
Interesting that over time, after having heard the diagnosis, it occurred to me that I'd had symptoms from the time I was a kid, like 'trying' to study ballet, @ around 8 years old!
BittyJenkins
(411 posts)She was seventy and had a colloid cyst blocking her cerebrospinal fluid.
They took out the cyst and put shunts in. She felt so much better after the surgery.
Wishing you the best.
elleng
(130,974 posts)I'm 77, so you and your mother have given me hope!
alfredo
(60,074 posts)I have dizziness too, but it is from brain damage from radiation treatments
I hope the shunt works for you.
elleng
(130,974 posts)FakeNoose
(32,645 posts)Warpy
(111,277 posts)and recovery is usually very rapid, with improvement in gait and balance occurring quickly.
Here's a good article on the surgery, write down your questions so you;ll have them when you meet the neurosurgeon.
elleng
(130,974 posts)tho I've read they have to be repeated 'fairly' often.
Plz attach article.
Warpy
(111,277 posts)elleng
(130,974 posts)THANKS!
MontanaMama
(23,322 posts)I am thinking of you and holding you close in my heart.
NJCher
(35,687 posts)best way to get through it. And who knows, it might be a positive experience. I never dreamed cataract surgery would be a nice experience, but it was for me.
elleng
(130,974 posts)This one? Who knows??? Several have suggested good news.
tosh
(4,423 posts)and sending all of my positive vibes!
mgardener
(1,817 posts)Docreed2003
(16,863 posts)You will definitely be in my thoughts as you pursue treatment. Best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery.
rubbersole
(6,702 posts)PatSeg
(47,501 posts)It seems that when we get older, so many of our 'parts' don't work right anymore. Hope all goes well if you decide on the surgery. You still have so many years to enjoy with your grandchildren.
question everything
(47,487 posts)but reading comments on this thread it is bearable.
Please let us know if and when you will undergo this procedure.
I certainly will miss your gorgeous weather photos.
ShazzieB
(16,426 posts)Last edited Tue Jul 12, 2022, 11:54 PM - Edit history (1)
I remember how freaked out I was 4 years ago when I found out I needed to have my aortic valve replaced. I have never not wanted to do something I desperately needed to do SO much. The risks were very scary, but in the end, the decision pretty much made itself. The choice was between taking that journey into the unknown or experiencing steadily declining health for the rest of whatever shortened life span I had left. I was not willing to settle for the latter.
The recovery was grueling, but considering the alternative, SO worth it. I pray it will be the same for you if you have your shunt surgery. Wishing you the absolute best of everything!
elleng
(130,974 posts)Been avoiding it for years, and until recently, no real NEED, but today, could barely walk from car to Dunkin in less than 30 minutes, usually 3 minutes! (so I missed beginning of J6 hearing! OH NO!!!)
So looked back into symptoms, where I found my recent gait deterioration appeared, and I said GOTTA do something! Will call doc tomorrow.
ShazzieB
(16,426 posts)Sorry about that! 😳 🤗
wendyb-NC
(3,328 posts)Hope you connect with the best neurologist/neurosurgeon to make the diagnosis and do the proper treatment.
Sending good vibrations and healing light so you will be back to normal/baseline motor ability. You want to be able to do your photography, and keep up with your grandkids, and everything else you enjoy. Blessings.
applegrove
(118,694 posts)Best wishes.
elleng
(130,974 posts)I was diagnosed around 10 years ago, but have ignored and lived with it since then, until now, when symptoms are becoming too burdensome. HOPE it's not too late.
My neurologist, @ time of diagnosis, wasn't keen on surgery and/or didn't know of a suitable surgeon; also may have thought it wasn't 'critical,' at the time.
New doc now, new location, and hope I can have it addressed without too much difficulty.
applegrove
(118,694 posts)eppur_se_muova
(36,269 posts)elleng
(130,974 posts)JudyM
(29,251 posts)Wishing you strength and a good outcome.
elleng
(130,974 posts)January 19!
Start with 10 a.m. MRI, and continue with more appointments including 'physical therapy,' likely to determine extent of 'disability.'
SO ONWARD!!!!
(Overnight before, so can make early appointment AND have dinner in a good Baltimore restaurant!)
appalachiablue
(41,146 posts)🦀 🍭🍦
elleng
(130,974 posts)Sure will. Been waiting for so long, I almost told 'Lisa' who called with the news, that I 'love' her! Had a pleasant conversation.
This sets up preliminary stuff, new mri and meeting with clinicians. (May stay night before in Baltimore due to early appointment for mri, so good restaurant before!)