This is what happened to us today.
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a large spectrum of impairments in brain function. Although hydrocephalus can occur at any age, it’s more common among infants and older adults. Today it, or rather its treatment happened to my wife.
The patient is resting comfortably now, and I hope to be shortly. It’s been a strange forty hours since I slept last.
With luck I’ll unwind enough to close my eyes in the next hour or so.
I think I may be in shock.
Wow! I’ve heard of it, but never knew what it was. Glad to hear things are taking a turn for the better now.
yikes! Hope she’s on the mend.
Well, my optimism of a few days ago has given way. After a brief improvement the original symptoms returned. The doctors adjusted the shunt but so far no improvement from that either, and I’m getting angry as hell that she’s still not eating or to my knowledge receiving any nutrition from the IV fluids they are giving her. In 14 days I am aware of her consuming approximately one peach and I’m not positive it stayed down long enough to be of much value. And the actual doctors show up about twice a day for five or ten minutes at a time, so that’s becoming another sore spot for me.
I’m frustrated, tired, depressed, angry, shocked, and who knows what else. Something has to give soon, very soon.