I’m 23 and have just had my 4th shunt revision. My last shunt lasted me 18 years with no complications, and I truly thought maybe I was one of the lucky ones and my shunt was going to last me forever.
I was wrong. After a flight away on holiday, my unknowingly broken shunt couldn’t handle the pressure in the plane. I was 5 when I had my last shunt revision, so I had no idea the pain I was in was from my shunt not working — I couldn’t even remember what it felt like.
The pain felt like I was having a hangover that just wouldn’t ease. My biggest sign was that I couldn’t lift my head without vomiting. I thought I was living a completely normal life like everyone else, until my body reminded me I wasn’t.
I’m in it with every other hydro warrior!