So it happens. Shunts fail and that is a pain. Sometimes it scares the daylights out of us, and sometimes it is just another surgery. This time we knew there could be a problem and there was. The element of surprise didn't get the best of us.
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| Finally relaxing today |
Backing up to November for a moment, we took a trip to Washington. Ayden had never flown before, and flew 6x in a 3 day period. Along with a crazy sleep schedule and time change he did not travel well. As we were landing in Detroit, Ayden had a very long cluster of seizures like he used to have. Fortunately, within about a week he seemed to get better. However, we started to see breakthroughs over Christmas Break, they changed from every few days to daily, and then from once to a handful/day. Meds were adjusted a few weeks ago and it seems to help for about a week, but we came to WI this time knowing he was seizing daily. Our appt. yesterday was just a routine 6 month check, but we had an MRI planned for a good baseline with his new adjustable valve shunt(from Dec. 2015). I have never really been very good at understanding imaging, but even from across the room I could easily see the difference, it was hydrocephalus.
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| Our Superman |
Today he was scheduled for ventricle endoscopy and then shunt replacement. A quick check of the shunt's valve proved that it was not working. With this obvious problem the neurosurgeon did not see a need to be more invasive and explore the ventricles. Less invasive means quicker recovery, but to insure that we have fixed the problem we will have new imaging in the morning to make sure that the shunt is working and the fluid is draining properly. It may or may not clear up by morning, but we should see progress. If he is happy with the images, then we should be discharged to head home tomorrow. We will take our time, past experience with revisions has taught us to be cautious. I cannot actually count the number of times Ayden has puked on I-80/I-90(both directions). We will have lots of clean clothes ready, and we will take lots of breaks. Hopefully, we will bring a happier, healthier Ayden home soon.
As always thank you for the prayers, they are always appreciated.
