LOOKING AT THESE PICS ARE CRAZY!
Ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt - discharge Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is surgery to relieve increased pressure inside the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the brain (hydrocephalus).
Description
This procedure is done in the operating room under general anesthesia. It takes about 1 1/2 hours
The child's hair behind the ear is shaved off. A surgical cut in the shape of a horseshoe (U-shape) is made behind the ear. Another small surgical cut is made in the child's belly.
A small hole is drilled in the skull. A small thin tube called a catheter is passed into a ventricle of the brain.
Another catheter is placed under the skin behind the ear and moved down the neck and chest, and usually into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. Sometimes, it goes to the chest area. The doctor may make a small cut in the neck to help position the catheter.
A valve (fluid pump) is placed underneath the skin behind the ear. The valve is attached to both catheters. When extra pressure builds up around the brain, the valve opens, and excess fluid drains out of it into the belly or chest area. This helps decrease intracranial pressure.
WHAT THE FRENCH TOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAST!!! CRAZY!!!!
The valves in newer shunts can be programmed to drain more or less fluid from the brain.
Why the Procedure is Performed
In hydrocephalus, there is a buildup of fluid of the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). This buildup of fluid causes higher-than-normal pressure on the brain. Too much pressure, or pressure that is present too long, will damage the brain tissue.
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Ok so I wasn't worried about the procedure listening to the doctor explain it to me... however.... THIS FREAKS ME OUT, LOL! This whole thing .....since January 6th ..... seems so surreal! Randi and I were just reminiscing today...thinking about everything and how he is now and WOW..... he truly is a miracle and there is no if, and's or but's about it! THANK YOU GOD FOR MY MIRACLE IN ALEX MICHAEL ROSS! It still just doesn't seem fathamable that he is here... that he is sharp as a tack, responsive on the dime with every comment.... no hesitation in thought process.... memory... thinking, reading, writing..... MIRACLE PERIOD! I met a gentleman this weekend at the fundraiser who was in a bad car wreck 6 years ago, his friend was drunk and slammed the car into a cement wall going 85 miles an hour and suffered a brain injury. His speech was slurred somewhat and thought process a little slow.... Alex has NONE of those symptoms. It has been 6 years for this young man and only 4 mos for Alex and mentally Alex seems to be sooo much better. Again... so surreal and truly a miracle when I think of all we have been thru!
Alex has been really relaxed all day....just chillin out....thank God! He fights sleep so bad... he shared with my sister Dar last night that the reason he fights his sleep is that he is afraid he won't ever wake up! :0/
So I am glad he is resting now as it is 7:00pm and he has actually been sleeping for 2 hours... guess I won't be sleeping tonight! Prayer warriors get busy.... I know this too shall pass but it's still freaky looking at the pictures! Knowing he is in God's hands... I know he won't let me down....again... we have a story to finish! I will keep you all posted tomorrow and update the blog with the outcome and progress.
THANK YOU GOD FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH MY HANDSOME BOY!
PEACE~LOVE~N~THUMBS UP!
Lisa
Lisa
