Kimmie Speaks Up About Hydrocephalus!
Posted by tom on December 19, 2011 · 3 Comments
By Kim Andrus
Hi, I’m Kimmie. I’m 17 years old and I have hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida and scoliosis. I was 3 days old when I had my first 2 surgeries. I had my spine closed and I also had my VP shunt placed. A few years passed and my shunt quit working due to a malfunction. Things started to work nicely until I was a little bit older and then I got very sick, coming and going from hospital rooms, then to being at home trying to live my life. I was 8 years old when I had another back surgery to remove rods that were supposed to keep my spine together. The rods were protruding from my back and they had to be immediately removed. That went well and I started living my life again, going to school and spending my time with family. A little bit after surgery I decided to be home-schooled because I was just not doing well. Once I started that things got better school-wise. I have a learning disability in math which kind of slows me down. I feel like I’ll never get it but I’m trying to push myself and get motivated. Things have been very good for me over the years since my last surgery. Last year, I discovered that my shunt tubing totally snapped in my neck and disconnected. My neurologist has been keeping a very close eye on me and he says that my shunt is okay and that I am draining the fluid properly.
So, despite all of the things I been through I have kept my smile and kept my laughter. It isn’t easy always being sick or having to have “limits” on a few things but all in all it’s so worth it. Just because we are disabled or sick doesn’t mean that we can’t be who we are. Never let anyone tell you that you are not special and not good enough because you ARE good enough and special. We are beautiful in and out and nobody can take that away from us. Keep your head up! Cherish the moments you have with people whether you are in pain or not. Never give up hope and keep laughing and smiling, you will go far.
Thank you Kimmie, your thoughts give us inspiration and hope.
Very inspirational. Youhave done so well in life, keep up the fantastic work and I wish you the best of luck for the future. I have Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus myself and know life can’t always be easy and we are faced with everyday challenges.
you know that reading this has put a new look on what i have been through. i have spina bifida and scoliosis i also have Femoral Hypoplasia unusual facies syndrome with a cleft palete. i completely understand what you mean when you say sometimes its hard but your right keep your head high. one day we will look down on our family and wonder what if…. and right now we are both to young to wonder that, we have a full life ahead of us and just keep your head high dont let anyone get in your way of achieveing your goals.