Vp Shunt questions

[Neil]

Im 18 years old and doctors are telling me that I need to have a Vp shunt put in to help control my CSF levels. I am wondering how big of a surgery it is and how active I can be after the surgery. will I be able to ski and be active? How big of a surgery is it and how long of a recovery is it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[LIZARD]

Hey, Neil. :)

Please come to the hydrocephalus forum so we can all help you: http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=164

I will say that it will depend on you. Everyone is individual, and we all follow our own recovery path, depending on age, severity of hydro, previous surgical history, other health conditions, etc., as well as the surgeon's experience. If you are a generally healthy 18 yo, I don't think you'll have much trouble, but I'd play it by ear for awhile to see what you're up to doing. If you were very physically active prior to diagnosis, you can probably continue to be, as long as you don't overdo or rush recovery, which will take a few weeks. I'm 42 and had my last surgery at 13. :) A lot has changed in technology and knowledge since then, so someone who has had surgery more recently will be more helpful. Come to the hydro forum and let us help. :)


*hug

LIZARD :)