| Original Message |
Leslie
Posted Nov 16, 2009 3:57 PM
I'm a 44 y.o. female with congenital hydrocephalus, and was diagnosed and shunted at the age of 42 (about 2 years ago). At the time of my surgery, I was totally incontinent, and had to wear rather thick diapers and plastic pants, and even then experienced leaks. I also wet my bed fairly heavily every night. At the time of my surgery my gait was so bad I could barely walk, and I slept in a coma like state for about 12 hours per day. The NS who performed my surgery was amazed that I had done as well as I had, given the severity of my condition.
However, after my surgery, my gait certainly cleared up, but I'm still incontinent - just not as bad as I once was. It's bad enough that I still need diapers 24x7. I've tried Detrol and some of the other meds out there, but they just made my mouth dry such that I would drink more fluid. I'm an active girl with advanced college degrees, and have a good job, so the incontinence does get in the way at times.
Are most hydro patients incontinent before and after surgery, or is it just me? I don't see that many people talk about this issue on this forum. |
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