Major Operation

 

I have suffered from Fluid on the Brain from the age of two.

I had an exploratory operation on my second birthday but by the time they operated the fluid had damaged the motor cells in my brain and then dispersed so there was nothing at the time the hospital could do so I was discharged.

About twenty years ago I started having fits and I was refered to a neurologist based at The Royal Preston Hospital

Dr Vakil took a number of brain scans as he thought it could be Epilepsy but on further investigation this was ruled out.

Dr Vakil asked Mr Davies a neurosurgeon to look at the scans and he diagnosed a fluid build up which was pressing on my brain and causing these cerebal episodes.

Mr Davies came to see me whilst I was in hospital and advised me that if he did not put a drain in my brain I would be in a wheelchair within six months.

Mr Davies explained the situation to both my parents as they were my carers then.

We decided that I should undergo the operation as soon as possible.

I had a micro chip fitted and if the fluid builds up again it should drain away.

There was a slight concern when the chip was fitted as they could not set the pressure at the level they wanted.

For 24 hours after the first operation the surgeons thought they would have to replace the Shunt.

The hospital contacted the manufacturer and a representative of their firm came and set the Shunt at the pressure Mr Davies advised.

I had a few more episodes after it was fitted but now everything appears to be fine.

One of the amusing effects of the shunt is it sets of the alarms at the airport. We now notify the airport security staff in advance

Lyndon Huetson

​Community Reporter

Comments

Lyndon

great post. Like the bit about setting of the alarms. Must be a challenge every time you travel by plane

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