ATWT Discussion Group -- MORE PRAYERS FOR TESSA

ATWT Discussion Group

Topic: MORE PRAYERS FOR TESSA

Topic Posted by: Janie
Date Posted: Sun Nov 15 18:44:40 2009
Additional Comments:

Hi Everyone, Once again, Tessa will be having another brain surgery on Friday, Nov 20th at 7:30 am at Children's Hospital of Orange County. This will be her third surgery in 2 years and hopefully the last one. The neurosurgeon will once again attempt to open the obstruction between her ventricles and as much as he dislikes to use shunts, he is going to put one in this time so that if the obstruction comes back, the shunt should take care of it.

She has been having severe headaches for about a month now so it is time to do something. She is 18 years old now. I can't believe how fast she has grown up. She did manage to graduate from Hi School last year and is attending Community College.

Please keep her in your prayers and in your thoughts for a positive outcome this time. Thanks everyone. J.

Posted by: Janie
Date posted: Wed Nov 18 18:37:51 2009
Message:
Thanks everyone. I'll be heading up to the hospital early Friday and will be staying with her and my daughter for a few days. I'll try to get back to you all no later than next Monday. Her neurosurgeon said that if everything goes well, she will be in the ICU overnight and go home on Saturday. Amazing, so lets hope and pray that all goes well.

Posted by: Krissy
Date posted: Tue Nov 17 9:42:36 2009
Message:
Thoughts and prayers going her way! I have hydrocephalus as well so I definitely know the frustration and the pain.

Replies: (list all replies)

Krissy, What did your hydrocephalus result from? Were you born with it or did you have a tumor? I kind of remember, I think it was you and Rosebud having a conversation about it a while back but I don't remember what was said. You have a shunt, right? Have you had a problems with it? Tessa's NS said that the average shunt needs 11 revisions in one's lifetime so that is why he has been so opposed to putting one in until now. I reminded him that was usually the case with infants and children and not so much with adults. Have you had any revisions? Thanks for any info you can give me. Even tho I am a nurse, it's different when it is your own family. :) Thanks, Janie.

Hi Janie. My hydrocephalus was caused by an inoperable brain tumor. Yes, I have a shunt. I went shuntless for a little bit when I was about 8 (ETV) but it didn't work and I was reshunted. I understand your reservations about the shunt.. it is extra stress added to an already stressful condition. I had mine replaced last Feb. after my ventricles had collaspsed, and ever since I have been dealing with headaches. But I am thankful to the shunt for saving my life. I'm so sorry Tessa has had so many surgeries.. it's not fair. It does scare me that the average shunted person has 11 revisions.. I'm only on my fourth. My last shunt lasted 10 years. I'll be praying for Tessa.. please keep me updated. If you would like my email address in case there are questions or anything let me know.

Posted by: Sammie
Date posted: Tue Nov 17 6:03:07 2009
Message:
Prayers and thoughts going your way! God is good!

Posted by: Roxie
Date posted: Mon Nov 16 22:58:18 2009
Message:
Janie I will definitely have Tessa in my thoughts and prayers. I wish her and all of your family the best of luck and pray that this will be the last time Tessa has to go through this. ((((Hugs)))) Keep us posted.

Posted by: Suellen
Date posted: Mon Nov 16 11:15:38 2009
Message:
Thoughts and prayers for your g.daughter, for you and her parents. As a g.parent I know how scary it can be.

Posted by: maggimae
Date posted: Sun Nov 15 18:52:30 2009
Message:
Janie, so sorry your granddaughter has to go through this once again. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.