Living with chronic illness: a retrospective study of patients shunted for hydrocephalus and their families.

Thirty-six patients who had had shunts for hydrocephalus between 14 and 36 years ago, and their parents and siblings were interviewed about the effects of chronic illness on their lives. Despite reports of severe financial, physical and emotional stress, most judged the quality of their family relationships and lives to be good. General outcome was poorest for those with unfavourable medical outcomes and/or questionable prospects for future independence. Almost all respondents were satisfied with the level and duration of treatment they had received.