[Elspode]

Keep all those vibes coming, my friends...we aren't out of the woods yet. Steve has been back to have his shunt tapped a second time, and he is suffering some pretty severe swelling under his scalp, moving down his face (he looks like Popeye right now, with one eye swollen nearly shut). A mostly clear fluid oozes occasionally from his sutured incision, which is the approximate site of the VP shunt reservoir/valve.

We aren't sure if what is going on is just normal fluid to be expected from the post-surgery situation and the two shunt taps he's had (large-gauge needles inserted into the assembly to draw off cerebrospinal fluid directly from the brain via the shunt), or if there is perhaps a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid which is accumulating under his scalp. His whole face was swelled up this morning on the side upon which he'd slept all night.

His cognition has been mostly fair, but it slips during the day. He sleeps more than the doctor would like, and he has continual head pain (although it is hard to discern if it is from internal pressure or pressure from the swelling). What we are seeing has been stated as being a possible part of expected recovery, but it could also be the beginnings of signs of trouble. We simply cannot say at present.

He will be CAT scanned again on Monday. If his ventricles are still enlarged, it is likely he will have an entire new shunt installation. That means Xmas in hospital, and another post surgical adjustment period.

We fear he may lose his meager job, his apartment, his independence. We fear that he will be set back, instead of moving forward, something which we have all worked hard to have him do.

So keep the energies, the vibes and the prayers coming, please? We're all still a bit frightened, and he isn't out of the woods yet.