The Shunt Brothers: A True Story

The Shunt Brothers: A True Story

Do you want to go on a rollercoaster ride through the world of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that loves to play dress-up as dementia or Parkinson's? This true story takes you on their family's wild journey to get the right diagnosis. They all rode that rollercoaster for years and were glad to get off with the correct diagnosis and treatment. The adventure kicks off in Kansas City, Missouri, with the dad's early NPH diagnosis in 1980. Fast forward to 2014, and the author's husband Tim, finally gets a shunt after years of playing "Guess the Diagnosis." Not to be outdone, Tim's brothers, Pat, Ray Jr., and Clancy, also join the NPH club later on. This tale is a treasure trove of tips on being a patient advocate, decoding CT and MRI scans, and the art of seeking second (and third) opinions. It also delves into the genetic side of NPH and the epic quest for a proper diagnosis. The author, who is also Tim's caregiver, doesn't shy away from sharing the emotional and physical rollercoaster with NPH. She emphasizes the importance of support, persistence, and a good sense of humor to surviive the ride.