Gabriel's Life

Gabriel's Life » General

1. jennifer_lucas
   Member

   My name is Jennifer and I am 25 with hydrocephalus. I would like to talk to others with it. If you would like to e mail me, my email address is jennifer_lucas@bellsouth.net

   Posted 11 months ago #

2. survior_girl
   Member

   I would like to get a feel for the site first then I would be willing! I am 13!

   Posted 9 months ago #

3. miraclemiler
   Member

   Hi Jennifer and survivor_girl, I was first diagnosed with hydro in 2001 at the age of 24. I'm 33 now, and recovering from surgery because of a second occurence of the condition. In 2001 I also had a malignant tumor, and I did not have a shunt placed for either surgery.

   I'm new to the site also, but I'd like to say to anyone who happens to read this, hydrocephalus does not prevent you from doing anything- Since my diagnosis in 2001 I have graduated magna cum laude with an Bachelor's degree in jurisprudence, landed a fantastic job, then left that to go to law school; This fall I enter my 3rd and final year. I've also taken up running, completed a half marathon on May 3rd, 2009, and am registered to run a marathon in October. I say this only to show others that you really can do anything. Hydro is a nuisance, nothing more!!

   Posted 8 months ago #

4. mp327
   Member

   Jennifer--

   Miraclemiler is absolutely right--this disease should not keep you from pursuing your dreams and being very successful in life. I wasn't diagnosed with hydro until I was 39. I've had the original shunt now for 15 years and am doing more than I ever thought I could. I am a runner too, although not up to the mileage of miraclemiler (I'm in awe!), a weight lifter, and volunteer building houses. I enjoy biking and did a 5K run on May 2nd.--my first since undergoing chemo and radiation last year for anal cancer (yes, the same as Farrah Fawcett's), which is in remission. I am doing a 10K race on July 4th. I held down a very responsible job before and after my shunt surgery, but now at the ripe old age of 55, am retired! I am a female who has never let either of my diseases get in the way of my life--don't let hydro get in the way of yours either! I wish you all the best.

   Martha

   Posted 8 months ago #

5. scruffy
   Member

   hi Jennifer,
   don't know if you remember me my name is Travis Williams and I believe you and I spoke a while ago. I believe you and I have encountered in a lot of the same difficulties throughout life so far. Right now,I am facing troubles in finding an apartment living on Social Security income. My family and my brothers are not very understanding of me and my disability. Unfortunately I live at home and my income isn't enough to live on my own, and boy is this frustrating. I feel as though I need to be on my own to prepare for the day that my parents are not around any longer. I'm a bit scared however I have a wonderful golden retriever who is going to be my service dog and will be allowed in my apartment with me at all times. I am a bit concerned about how to budget such a small amount of money. I hope that you and I can help each other. Please tell me more about yourself. My e-mail address is KWilliams38@ec.rr.com

   Posted 6 months ago #

6. Kris25
   Member

   Hi Jen, my name is Kristy. I was dianosed w/ hydrocephlus when I was born. I'm 25 now. I was born on January 9, 84. I've had 8 revisions. I can do pretty much anything anyone else can. People look at me different, and might think I'm weird because I have shunts, but I don't care what they say. The doctors told my parents when I was born to not name me, because I was going to die in a few hours of my life. Well, I proved them wrong. My last shunt revison was in 2003, because the connection piece broke, but I haven't been back to the hospital since. I've graduated highschool, had jobs. I'm looking for a job right now though.

   Posted 5 months ago #

7. Kris25
   Member

   Survior girl
   My name is Kristy. I'm 25. I have 2 shunts, I've had both of them since I was born. Do you have a shunt already or do you need one? Don't be scared if you have to have a shunt put it.

   Posted 5 months ago #

8. gabbie2009
   Member

   Hi Everybody,

   My name is Gabriela. I was diagnosed with hydro when I was born. I had a shunt put in immediately after birth. The Doctors told my mother that I might not make it, yet I here. I'm 28 years old, and had 5 revisions with the last one being in August 2009, this one was a total mechanism revision b/c the shunt had stopped working after almost 10 years, and the tubing snapped after 24 or so years. Since the surgery in August, I have been doing great. I am going to get married, live on my own, and have a job. Many people have the perception that people with shunts can't do much, but if you show them the determination; you can. I was lucky when i was born, b/c being born in 1981, and being diagnosed with hydrocephalus along with Cerebral Palsy; the doctors thought i had a very slim chance of making it. After countless surgeries with the shunt and from the CP,I am doing great. I hope that reading this, will give some hope to others. By reading this, they can strive for that determination, and accomplish all they set themselves to.

   Posted 5 months ago #

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