Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Harry's appointment at the hydrocephalus clinic in NYC was pushed up from Jan 13 to Dec 29. All of my adult children were here so it was GREAT that they could go with us. After 3 hrs of testing & interviews, the doctor did not feel Harry's symptoms were conclusive that hydrocephelas was causing the problems----altho the MRI & PET scans showed he definately had enlarged ventricles etc. Next step is to get the records from 10 yrs ago & then make an appointment for a spinal tap. We are having problems getting the records----not that they can't find them--but be/c of the 'privacy laws'. they are refusing to release them. Maybe we will have to show up at Medical records---but NYC hospitals are so overwhelming to us!!! Keep us in your prayers!

The shunt surgery was a miracle. I had been confined to a wheelchair and now can walk for a distance of 1 to 2 miles. Walking is not perfect, but it is so much better than it was!

Hello @dbeers and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for joining our members in this discussion and sharing your experience with shunt surgery. You have had an great outcome.

What was your post operation recovery like and how long did it take you to start walking regularily?

I had no problems during the recovery. I did a lot of physical therapy, which I recommend. My surgery was done at Johns Hopkins on July 13, 2020. It took me about 9 months to get to the point of walking without a cane. My incontinence issues also cleared up. I was debilitated mainly because of inactivity for the better part of two years.
Unfortunately, I initially was misdiagnosed, first with Parkinson's, and then with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), prior to getting the NPH diagnosis and surgery.