November 13, 2011 - EVDivas - Today was the Hydrocephalus Walk at Veterans Park.  A group of nurses from our unit got together to support all of our patients who have hydrocephalus.  A majority of our patients are born with this, therefore it is something they will have for the rest of their precious lives.  Hydrocephalus means water on the brain.  Our kids have to have shunts placed inside their head in order to continuously drain the fluid.  These shunts get infected, malfunction, or the child simply outgrows them as they grow.  These kids are always in the hospital!

When a shunt becomes infected, it must be taken out and an External Ventricular Drain is placed in their head and drains to a bag outside their body.  These drains usually stay in for around 2 weeks or more until the infection is clear.  We have kids that get rid of their infection soon, and others who stay for months fighting the infection.  Each child's drain is set at a certain "popoff" which is the pressure it takes to drain the fluid off the brain.  So, our team name was the "EVDivas" and our slogan was "walk your popoff!"

Pretty cute huh!

I am so blessed to work with such an awesome group of nurses who love these kids as their own and support these families in their time of need.  We also work with a fabulous group of neurosurgeons!  This is Dr. Blount...

...and this is Dr. Wellons.  We have 5 neurosurgeons on our team and believe it or not, they appreciate us so much.  Each child is different, and our group of nurses knows all their individual signs and symptoms and the doctors trust our opinions and assessments.

The kids had a great time at the walk.  They enjoyed walking, running and of course the snacks!  Thank you Lord for my healthy children and for letting me be a part of taking care of those who are sick.  I am blessed at home and at work!