Anyone else here have a shunt, or hydrocephalus or know anyone who has had one?

I'm really looking for someone who might be able to give me some feedback...

I'm really scared at the moment. I've had exactly two shunts in my life (which is unheard of at 23!). One from about a week old to just under 2 years old, and I've been on this second one from that point to... well, I'll be 24 next month!

Unfortunately at about my age the shunt either malfunctions, or needs a revision or you wind up with an infection.

This is where I'm trying to find someone else who may understand...

I've been having weird physiological issues lately. They could theoretically be symptoms of any number of things - but since I'm paranoid and slightly a hypochondriac ... I think my shunt might be messing up on me.

I just really don't need the added stress of dealing with this right now! (Then again, if it is malfunctioning I'll need surgery which is stressful in itself!)

I'm sick of being "disabled" all the time. I'm trying to reach my neurosurgeon and he's freaking impossible to get ahold of. His receptionist is also horrible at returning phone calls. If it is my shunt and I wind up with brain damage because they gave me the run around when ALL I want is a CAT scan ... I'm going to be very, very, pissed.

In something totally unrelated to shunts and hydrocephalus, yours truly has an appt with a urologist next week. I hate doctors appts. I've been on too many antibiotics and unless the current round of them works properly... I'm thinking I'm working on a kidney infection. If pills don't work to cure it, I hear the other option is inpatient IV antibiotics. I hate needles and hospitals.

For a "stable disability" there are far too many issues. And pain, lots of freaking pain. (Which reminds me, I also need to see a chiropractor for my never ending neck/back pain. Sigh again)

Thanks for listening to me rant.