Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and dealing with work

Hi @stephenluptak- a few things that are important and work for me are adequate sleep, healthy foods to keep my mind on track, a 20 minute walk in the afternoon before I return from lunch and disconnecting from work at the end of the day. What regimens do you practice?

Hi, @stephenluptak - I also wanted to bring into this conversation a few members who have mentioned hydrocephalus and may have some input on having this condition and dealing with work, like @david33 @user_chdb5e8ac @cynaburst @raychelk22 @lady1lake @techi. @johnbishop may also have some thoughts for you.

The NIH diagnosed me with acqueduct stenosis at a research study in Bethesda. Patient literature says acqueduct stenosis is a term used in hydrocephalus diagnosis. I also have myasthenia gravis. My meds, the situation with my health really prevents me from being an authoritative credible leader, so I opt for the disability. It is what it is unfortunately, I'd rather be employed and at the office.

Hi, @stephenluptak – I've had a few stressful jobs in my earlier corporate life. Looking back I probably didn't handle it well - 20/20 hindsight type of thing. There are definitely some steps you can take. As Jamie mentioned above, me time is important - good sleep, healthy diet and some quiet time plus some a little exercise. There are some good suggestions that might help on the American Psychological Association website here:
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/work-stress.aspx
The fact that you are thinking about it is a great start.

Dr Ahlskog said that I have to flunk the mini mental status test to talk to the brain surgeon again, my last score was 38 out of 40. I hope I never flunk it. I have a pharmacist blaming my intermittent mental problems on mestinon, a myasthenia drug. It why medicine is called practicing I think 🙂 have a great day, laugh a little each day is my advice.

One of my favorite stress relievers is to watch a few short videos...lots of them here.
https://www.resilientoption.com/

I wrote a social media book, a little fiction, mostly fact. Write a book using wordpress, that's my suggestion

Yeah, that would be nice.

Thank you for bringing me into this conversation. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus last spring at Mayo in Jacksonville. I was also diagnosed with small cell lung cancer 3a. Since then I have had chemo & radiation and now researching before having whole brain radiation. Full body MRI shows no spread of cancer. Also the small lung tumor has shrunk by half. My last brain MRI showed no brain metastasis, but did show moderate sequela of chronic small vessel ischemic disease. Next week I go back to Mayo for consultation about best plan going forward. My balance & gait are not good. Am hoping for possible options to control the hydrocephalus. My balance & gait are not good.

Just wanted to let you all know I've moved this discussion to the Brain & Nervous System group.

@stephenluptak - wondering if you could share a bit more about challenges you've faced with having normal pressure hydrocephalus in your career? Have you found any tips or tricks that have helped you along the way?

@lady1lake - you mentioned that in addition to having small cell lung cancer 3a, you have hydrocephalus and are looking for options to control it. Are you working currently? If so, would you share anything anything that has helped you cope at work while dealing with the hydrocephalus?