Let me break it down: hydrocephalus is when your brain decides it’s going to store water like a camel—but in all the wrong places. It’s an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which puts pressure on your brain. Sounds fun, right? Yeah... not so much.

I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus after my traumatic brain injury and have had seven shunt-related surgeries. A shunt helps drain that excess fluid, but it’s not a one-and-done fix. Shunts can malfunction, get infected, or just plain misbehave—because apparently, even medical devices have attitudes.

Living with hydrocephalus means always being aware of your body. Headaches? Could be normal… or it could mean another ER trip. It’s anxiety-inducing, frustrating, and exhausting—but it also makes you one tough human.

If you're newly diagnosed: I see you. You’re not alone. And I promise, you can still live a beautiful, fulfilling life. It just might look different—and that’s okay. After all, Shunt Happens, but healing does too.