Mother and Daughter’s Story Featured in Washington Post
Gabi and Amanda Garzon of Bethesda, MD have had their story featured in the Washington Post.
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Due to advancements in medical research and new medical surgical techniques; I am a very fortunate individual, whom has been a recipient of the advancement of medical science! Up until the year 2000; people with congenitive hydrocephalus, had no other option then to be shunted. For years, primarily throughout my childhood, later adulthood up until I was 25 years old. I am 38 now. At the age of 25 years old, my neurosurgeon,(whom has been and currently is my neurosurgeon, and has followed me since I was 14 years old, subsequently performing 80% of the 46 brain surgeries I had received over the years, from 1975(I was diagnosed at 14 months old) up until 2007. (Interesting to note, that Dr. Abbott is a pediatric neurosurgeon not an adult neurosurgeon, thus my neurosurgeon kept me on as his patient, even after I turned 21 years old!)And I followed him through 2 previous hospitals, in which he had practiced. In 2007 unfortunately, the third ventricle hole, closed twice(unfortunately, the 3rd ventricle hole, can close unexpectedly I found out). Upon having my first 3rd ventricle operation, in the year 2000 afterwards, my neurosurgeon had said to me; “now remember, you still have hydrocephalus.” Fortunately for me, I have escaped or rather not had or currently have, long term physical consequences from hydrocephalus. Even after I had a almost fatal car accident at the age of 24 years old! In which I had a tremendous hematoma of the brain! My head hit the windshield of my brother-n-law’s car. Interesting to note though, the cognitive and psychological difficulties(particularly when I was a child,tot, and teen) were severely difficult! As I became an adult, the psychological, i.e.severe depression, had been at times, very, very difficult to go through, much less survive! Unfortunately for me, I had to overcome audio and visual dyslexia! After each and every coma and brainsurgies I had, those two factors combined were and had occurred several times, in my life. Severe brain trauma,(extreme cerebral pressure build up is I feel, one of, if not the worse physical pains one can go through, I feel! Other than contractions and delivery of a baby! Not to mention severely damaging to the brain tissue in general. So being in the hands of a couple of exceptional, super talented, really skillful surgeons/doctors had made a tremendous difference in the treating and maintenance of my hydrocephalus condition! So to the new parents, of a child that had just been diagnosed, there is hope! Just research and seek out competent and skillful surgeons, neurologist or anyone involved in the care of your child! I stress! That a correct diagnosis and competency and experience is hugely important, when seeking out those that could potentially save your child’s life! And could prevent further damage from happening! It had made a tremendous difference in me! God bless to the parents of hydrocephalus children. And to those such as myself, that have hydrocephalus; that survived the odds and continue to live a life that by all rights, just was not suppose to be!