well let's see here i am 5'9 170lbs. brown hair an eye's by the way i am disabled do to my birth defect which caused me to have spina bifida from birth...if anyone would like to chat with me they can reach me here or on yahoo messenger.

What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the fetus's spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants born with SB sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning disability. The three most common types of SB are: myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine; meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening; and occulta, the mildest form, in which one or more vertebrae are malformed and covered by a layer of skin. SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications, and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
this is the one i have

myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine; meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening

SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications, and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).

What is hydrocephalus?

Cerebrospinal fluid or CSF is a watery substance containing proteins, salts and sugars which protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord tissues. Our brains contain four interconnecting cavities called ventricles in which CSF flows. CSF also flows between the surface of the brain and the skull and acts as a cushioning agent for the brain. CSF is continually being produced, and absorbed by the body. When CSF can not circulate properly, excess fluid builds up in the brain causing intracranial pressure. The accumulation of excess fluid in the brain is called hydrocephalus (hydro = water, cephalus = head).

What types of hydrocephalus are there?

• Obstructive
This form, also called non-communicating hydrocephalus, occurs when a blockage in a ventricle restricts the flow of CSF.

• Non-obstructive
This form, also called communicating hydrocephalus, occurs when CSF is not absorbed properly into the bloodstream.

• Normal Pressure
This form occurs in old age as a result of a gradual blockage and build up of CSF.

Hydrocephalus is also classified as:

• Congenital
Hydrocephalus is present before birth.
Acquired
Hydrocephalus develops after birth, usually as a result of trauma to the brain such as infection, head injury, meningitis or tumors.

What are the symptoms?

Children and Adults
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Vision problems
• Fever
• Irritability/lethargy
• Loss of co-ordination
• Seizures
• Decline in work performance
• Personality changes

When left untreated hydrocephalus can cause serious brain damage and even death.

What causes hydrocephalus?

Scientists believe congenital hydrocephalus is a result of both environmental and genetic factors. Acquired hydrocephalus is a result of head trauma.

Did you know?

• 85 – 90 percent of individuals with spina bifida have hydrocephalus.
• The shunt, a small drainage tube, was invented in the 1950s by John Holter, an engineer whose son had hydrocephalus.

How is hydrocephalus treated?

There is no cure for hydrocephalus. However, the surgical insertion of a shunt can control this condition. A shunt is a long, flexible tube with a one way valve. The most common shunt is the ventriculoperit shunt. The excess CSF is redirected using the shunt which is inserted under the skin from the brain to the abdomen. The CSF is absorbed into the bloodstream from the abdomen. Another type of shunt redirects the CSF from the brain to the heart. After shunt insertion, most individuals with hydrocephalus live normal lives with few limitations. Another treatment option is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Using a miniaturised telescope, a small opening is created in the floor of the brain using a laser. CSF can then naturally flow through this opening.
Are there ever complications with the shunt?

Individuals with hydrocephalus will have their shunt tubing replaced at least once due to growth. The shunt may also have to be replaced due to various complications. The most common types of complications are:

• Obstruction
The tubing may become plugged with blood elements, brain fragments, or tumor cells. Scar tissue or other structures may obstruct the ends of the tubing as well. Symptoms of an obstructed shunt are similar to symptoms for hydrocephalus.

• Infection or Erosion
Infection should be suspected if there is unusual swelling or redness along the shunt tract.

• Overdrainage
Symptoms of overdrainage are also similar to those of hydrocephalus. A severe headache, which is reduced when lying down, is a common symptom.

OK BELOW IS GOING TO BE A VERY TRUE STORY MY SISTER N LAW WROTE...

Please if their is anyone that can help my husband and brother-in-law with their dream of owning their own truck.My husband has tried to buy his own truck for the two of them, when the younger brother who was born with spina bifida came down with a type of bone cancer, stopped my husbands dream for him and his brother. My gave up his truck that he was buying to go home and help their mother out with the younger brother at home with the i.v. treatments and changing the dressings up to 3 times daily. Later that year the brothers came upon another tragic time when their mother passed away. Leaving the brothers down and without hope of ever having their dream come alive again. As the brothers use to travel together, even though it was hard on them with evenwhen the younger went out with the older brother, neither of them complained about their accommidations in the truck, having a wheel chair in the truck with them or haivng to find a spot out in the back of the truck stop at night when they shut down or a place to bath with the handicapped showers. But neither will ever ask for any help in everything that they do together. If their is anyone out their