This week marks eleven years since surviving multiple brain injuries in March 2014. I needed two surgeries to fix my shunt. The incompetent neurosurgeon at the time didn't listen to me when I told him I needed the entire shunt repaired the first time. I had a 2nd shunt revision surgery in May 2014.
My incompetent neurosurgeon reported I only had a stroke. The resident doctor working with him in the Operating Room ("Dr. 2") reported I had multiple brain injuries. Now why would the surgeon only report I had one stroke? Denial is not a river...
Let's look at resident doctor's operative report from March 2014:
Patient is status post VP shunt revision with removal of the left frontal approach ventricular catheter and placement of right frontal approach ventricular catheter with the tip near the formen of monroe to the anterior third ventricle.
There is an expected postoperative pneurocephaly, Interaventricular air within the frontal horns of the lateral ventricle and subcutaneous emphysema within the right frontal scalp.
There is a focal hemorrhage in the region of the left thalmus measuring 7x10 mm at the site of the tip of the prior ventricular catheter.
Acute 5 mm intraparanchymal hemorrhage in the right paremedian pons has developed since 2/22/2014.
The size and configuration for the ventricular system is similar to the prior exam. No hydrocephalus. No depressed calvarial fractures. The visualized para-nasal sinuses and mastoid air cells are unremarkable.
This critical result value was discussed with "Dr. 2" at 4:45pm on 3/6/2014 with feedback verification.
Impression:
1. Shunt revision as described above.
2. Focal acute 10 mm hemorrhage in the left thalamic region with a component which may not be intraventricular or intraparaenchymal.
3. Focal acute 5 mm intraparanchymal hemorrhage in the right paramedian pons has developed since 2/22/2014.
"This critical result value was discussed with "Dr. 5" at 4:45PN on 3/6/2014 with readback verification.
Resident Radiologist. Attending Radiologist. Finalizing Radiologist. Transcribed date: 3/6/2014 14:32. Finalized Date: 3/6/2014 17:05.
While in rehab in inpatient therapy, I learned I had more than one brain bleed while listening to a conversation between my physical therapist and the neuropsychologist. The physical therapist knew I had more than one bleed - My right leg would cross over the left leg. The neuropsychologist was confused by her comment as he said. 'She only had a stroke." (as reported by the incompetent neurosurgeon) Where she replied "No she didn't. She had more than one bleed. I can tell because of how her legs are moving."
When I got out of inpatient rehab and started outpatient therapy I ordered the reports.
In 2015, I made a film about this to spread awareness about hydrocephalus and brain injury. I was also angry about what happened. ( no reason, right?)
My film, Shunt Chronicles My Brain, Art and School (2015) turns 10 this year...
I am not famous, I am a starving artist with a chronic illness. Creating art, reading, and listening to music is just one of many to cope with chronic pain and past trauma. The good news is today, I feel better than I have been recently. That's all I'm saying for now... My shunt is like an unruly child sometimes...
