As parents, dealing with a child’s hydrocephalus diagnosis is overwhelming.
Our nephew Johan was diagnosed of communicating hydrocephalus. It's the first case of hydrocephalus in our family so as with our sister-in-law's.
This incredibly difficult situation brought out a wide range of expected emotions from us.
Seeing him at first, we doubted although we already suspected that he maybe suffering from hydrocephalus based on the signs and symptoms including a gradually enlarging head, sunset eyes, and wide fontanel. As for me I even said to myself that he may just have the same large heads as we had before (my head is smaller now than before).
Immediately he underwent CT scan and other tests. On December 13, 2018, the CT scan result confirmed our suspicion.
I'm not sure about my other siblings' reaction next to that, but as for me there was a bit of anger. I said, "Why? Why did this happen to my brother's son? Why to our son? (Our brother's is also our son). Why to our brother's son who lived in a healthy environment where there was fresh air and fresh foods?"
Since early diagnosis and early treatment is always best especially in his case, he underwent other laboratory tests such as cell count and differential count, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time, routine chemistry, gramstain, and bacteriology (culture). All tests were of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen.
While waiting for the lab tests result, we were in to "bargaining." Asking that may the Lord lead us to the right course of action or even therapeutic remedies that may help aid in the drainage of the excess CSF.
It’s common to have countless questions that range from learning more about what hydrocephalus is, how it is managed, to what one can expect a child’s experience to be across the life spectrum.
I've been surfing the internet as I was in search of new research studies since December 7 up to now hoping to find a more therapeutic and non- invasive or management to hydrocephalus especially the communicating type. Hoping that more technologically advanced countries might have available drugs or meds that may aid in the drainage of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the venous or lymphatic system, but to no avail. The ultimate remedy involves a surgical procedure either the insertion of a shunt or ETV etc.
On December 28, the lab test results conferred to the shunting procedure.
Accordingly, he faster means to schedule the surgery would be to be a private patient, unfortunately there were only two neurosurgeons in Cordillera which means 'wait for the schedule.'
Fortunately, through Engr. Denver Marines and the FB page of Shunt for Life, we were able to avail of the services of the medical mission dubbed as 'Shunt for Life' under a Foundation that offers help to children suffering from hydrocephalus whom a shunt procedure is indicated.
It would be of great help since to suffer from hydrocephalus means it requires surgical procedure for shunt, follow-up check up, or another surgical procedure should the shunt be broken and a lot more.
It is not an ordinary challenge for parents to have a child diagnosed with hydrocephalus. More so with the child since the shunt maybe with him for a lifetime.
We are still looking forward that the Lord may not forsake us. That He may help us through thru His means.
