In my last post, Finding Home, I wrote about Ken’s health challenges, his re-diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydracephalus (NPH), and that we were waiting for a neurosurgery appointment and treatment plan.
Since then, Ken has had two neurosurgery appointments, confirmation of the new diagnosis, and surgery to implant a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in his brain three weeks ago. Though this sounds scary and complicated, the immediate results have been nothing short of miraculous. Three years of declines–primarily mobility, cognition, and coordination–have been reversed.
We are up to 5km walks (his physical activity is limited to walking for the first four weeks post-surgery) with no reason to think this can’t continue to increase the distances. We have begun taking advantage of the walkable community we settled into, doing many of our errands on foot. I can’t wait for him to try riding his bike again, which will allow us to explore even further. Ken is back to driving (I had taken over all of the driving in the last few months) and, once again, has the freedom to go out on his own when he wishes to.
Every day we find ourselves astounded at Ken’s newfound abilities and the lack of barriers we are facing. Though we are enjoying our new home town and nearby family, we are also starting to allow ourselves to revisit our future travel list and to consider making plans. Inconceivable only a few short weeks ago, we are grateful beyond words. Where to next?
That is the best news! So happy for the successful outcome.
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