We are back! Many people have asked why I haven’t keep posting the blog. Busy, busy and busier. I wish I could report life has gone back to normal and everything is fine but I can’t. Kathy has made great progress in many areas but still has significant problems with her shunt. What is wrong with her shunt?
Kathy’s shunt valve is still overflowing CSF fluid out of her brain. When you look at the CT scans, her ventricles are little thin slits instead of normal canals. We have learned that most surgeons install shunts with the aim of overflow for obvious reason vs. under flowing. The big issue is how the patient “adjusts” to the “under” pressure in the cranial area. Headaches, neck aches, nausea and vomiting are all extreme reactions to overflowing shunt valve.
Kathy has mostly recurring head aches and neck aces but are not considered major shunt failure symptoms. Dr. Kureshi has given Kathy the choice; live with your side effects or have surgery and get an adjustable shunt valve installed. Seems like an easy choice but you have to consider surgery risks, pain, hospitalization, complications, infections and will the revised valve work better. A true risk versus reward dilemma!
What else is going on with Kathy? Well, she has a constant ear ache. It started around Christmas time and got progressively worse towards New Year. We went to a new ENT doctor for a diagnosis before New Year’s Day. She saw nothing and advised us to go to a TMJ jaw specialist for referred ear pain. During the time we saw her and the most recent doctor, Kathy has seen eight doctors for ear pain; the dentist, the neurosurgeon, the practitioner, the new practitioner, another ENT, an inner ear specialist and finally the TMJ doctor. The TMJ doctor found a ball of cotton in Kathy’s ear but bruised up her inner ear canals getting it out! Oh what a mess! Who knows anything?
Kathy is still suffering from her ear ache! We can only guess it might be her shunt or lingering pressure in the brain but these symptoms are not consistent with shunt or pressure symptoms. So far it’s a real mystery and a great disappointment in the medical profession. Let’s move on-
The good news is about everything else is going good. Kathy has a good appetite and her current weight is excellent. She can take care of herself during the day and carry out all of her personal grooming requirements. She's walking without the assistance of a walker and currently using a cane. Kathy’s Achilles tendon surgery was successful and she seems to be walking better each week. She will start physical therapy to build strength in the feet to assist in her balance which is a little off. Her overall physical condition below her head seems great!
Kathy’s brain besides the head aches and ear aches is working well. All her measurable cognitive skills have improved immensely. She fully understands all actions, communicates well, writes well and has even started to email her family. She still lacks self confidence at times and is confused when events get busy. This will all improve with time. So, we are in search of the ultimate ear ache solution. Will Kathy go forward with her shunt revision? These are all things hopefully God will help decide soon.
Again Kathy cannot express all of her intense feelings for the wonderful family and friends that got her through the difficult times. She just wants to say thank you, over and over and love to you and your families.
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1 comment:
Good words.
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