Sports Question

O.k I am 21 and I have always played sports mostly football, ice hockey, and weight lifting. It has been almost two years since playing any type of sport. I have not had decompression surgery but I do have a old and rusty vp shunt and a shiny new lp shunt. My doctor ruled out all sports. I have gained like 20 pounds and I really want to get active again. What sports can I play that are not so "dangerous" but still as much fun and challenging as football. I was captain and quarter back of my team in high schoolish. We never actually won a game but we were really good. I am tired of just sitting on the sidelines while my friends have fun.

[tma0704]

Could I ask you why they did a vp shunt and no surgery? Also, what degree of herniation at diagnosis.  

How did they find CM?  Did you have a lot of symptoms?

Good luck to you and thank you for your post.

[Zenji]

They did the shunts because I had severe increased intercranial pressure and I was told at this point in time surgery is too risky but is a option at a later time.

I don't remember the degree of herniation. I have it somewhere on my computer but can't find it right now. I am very forgetful.

I started having vision problems and went to the eye doctor and they found increased pressure. When they sent me to a neuroophthalmologist she told my neurologist where to look and they found CM. My biggest complaint was headaches but when they explained other symptoms to me I had those too. I have always been forgetful and have had difficultly swallowing and coordination issues which made sports difficult but not impossible. There was alot of other symptoms that made getting a diagnoses that explained them all a huge relief

[selmaS]

Hi...the best thing u can do to be active is swimming. It is safer than contact sports...but I must advise never to swim alone.

Water arobics is also a good way to get safe exercise.

There is a staionary bike that is good too.

"selma"

[Zenji]

I have thought about taking up swimming. I played water polo for a little bit in middle schoolish. My college has a really good swim team and I can maybe get a scholarship if I get on the team. I don't really like working out except for weight lifting which I can't do anymore but I love sports.I think it is more of the adrenaline rush I get from competition that motivates me. My apartment complex just opened a pool so I can practice at home. I have to  call my doctor first. The student with disabilities office won't let me do anything without clearance from my doctor.

[selmaS]

Just be careful with diving in the pool.....

"selma"

[Zenji]

My doctor said I could go swimming and do it competitively but not this year. He wants me to gradually work up to the level I would have to be at to be competitive. We did discuss the whole diving situation and I talked with the coach. Basically he said to not practice diving unless I am supervised by a trained person and that if I dive correctly It will not be dangerous. I also will be required to sign a release of information so that in an emergency the coach can contact him. I am so excited.

[selmaS]

I am glad ur dr feels this is a safe actvitiy for u.

Good Luck and stay safe

"selma"