Our first grandson was born on June 1 and thanks to a wonderful peditrician, it was discovered that his head was growing faster than his body, but it wasn't a visual thing. Only by her concern with some other symptoms and constant measuring, did she recommend a neurosurgeon in Nashville. Bryce was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and underwent his first surgery when he was six weeks old. Our son called Monday to tell us Bryce had developed a fever and they'd taken him back to Vanderbilt. He had the shunt removed on Tuesday, taking antibiotics to clear up the infection and is scheduled for surgery Friday morning to put a new shunt in.

We live in Michigan and it is very difficult to stay here and wait for news. But I understand and respect my sons wishes that we stay put for now.

Does anyone know of someone personally which has this disease?

And please keep Bryce in your Prayers.

This child, you and your family are in my prayers. Have you done an internet search on hydrocephalus? there may be a support group.

http://www.hydroassoc.org/

"The Hydrocephalus Association"

It wont post as a live link for some reason, but it looks like a good place to start for information.

Hi,

In 1969 my brother, as an infant, was born and diagnosed with hydrocephalus. As he was growing, he had frequent (every other year) surgeries to change the shunt, and distribute the excess fluids, but after he reached the age of about 12, his surgeries became fewer, about every 8 years or so, and they had routed the fluids into his stomach. His development and intelligence were not affected in the least. He was perfectly normal, and participated in sports. Being diagnosed early in life is key. In 2005, I'm sure they've even progressed further, and hopefully have better shunts, and fewer surgeries!

Duke

I've checked the website and signed up for their packet of information. I appreciate all the information, stories of others and especially the prayers.

The last I spoke to our son, he said Bryce has the nurses wrapped around his finger and he's flirting outragously with them. Just hearing normal things that are normal help. They were told Bryce would not play football or join the military. If we can have a healthy little guy, that's all that's important.

Thank you, Anon - Coni

I am glad it looks better than at first. I hope and pray for your little Bryce. What a beautiful name!

There was a kid (about 12) that danced with my daughter about 15 years ago - she had a shunt that drained into her stomach that had been in place for several years and was working beautifully -- and she could dance (ballet and jazz) without any problems at all -- lots of BOL prayers for Bryce and the whole family!

Hi Coni, You know that Bryce is in my prayers!

More prayers from Oklahoma.

Bryce came home last Saturday, but unfortunately he started running a fever and is back in the hospital. He has 3 teams of specialists working with him to determine where the infection is coming from.

Thanks so much for all your prayers. And Violet, thanks for that website. I've already received a packet of information from them. It's been very informative. Coni

Keep your chin up; I know the little guy is going to be fine. You will be chasing after him in no time. Continued thoughts & prayers. Please do keep us updated.

Bryce is in my prayers also. My Mom (71) fell at work in Sept. 04 and hit her head badly, a few weeks later she was having difficulty walking or getting up - she was just shuffling along. I finally took her into the hospital in February 05 when her mental facilities were failing along with her mobility (and after I saw the ad where the guy was shuffling along and it looked just liker her)she was diagnosed with NPH Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and was in the hospital for a week when in the routine exams they found lung cancer. She ended up (finally) in June getting a shunt put in her head and of course that didn't work and they had to do the surgery again and replace it. That one worked and she has her mobility back and her cognitive issues are less (not 100% back to the way she was but a huge huge difference) now she is getting chemo and we take it day by day.
There is help for hydrocephalus and the website they probably referred you to is great!
Best wishes and my thoughts are with the whole family.

Bryce came home last Thursday. We got the call they were being discharged as we were pulling out of our driveway headed south. We got there Friday morning and Bryce was in my arms a few minutes later. He is such a good baby and if it wasn't for the mohawk and stitches he has now, we'd never have known he'd had anything done.

I feel for your mom. Several family members have had cancer and I do know what you are going through. To have the hydrocephalus on top of that!!! My prayers are going out for her also.

Thank you all.

I am so happy to hear Bryce is home and you were able to see and hug him, the best medicine there is. Thanks for the prayers for my Mom.

Bryce had his checkup with the Neurologist on Monday and received a clean bill of health. He doesn't need to go back to Nashville again until December. Mom will still need to take his temperature for 6 weeks to be sure there is no infection and then monitor his soft spot.

Thank you again for all your prayers. The prayers have truly been wonderful for Bryce.