Help me!

Hi,

You can have a Chiari Malformation and not have problems. If you become symptomatic is when the problems begin. Chiari damages your nervous system. I had the surgery and it has been a downhill spiral. I would contact a neurosurgeon if you haven't already and discuss your situation. Neurologists don't typically know as much as the neurosurgeon. Probably not much help but either way you can have problems.

Hi crystal26235

It seems that CM can mean different things to different people and how it impacts them.

I too am newly diagnosed, and am I'm process of scheduling decompression surgery with NS for August

For me there appeared to no alternative treatment that will give an opportunity to improve headaches, and possibly my associated chronic fatigue & cognitive problems.

As sole income provider, I have looked at options and appears my best chance of getting back to where I was, otherwise I will probably lose my job.

Your decision is based on you and how you feel and especially how much your symptoms impact your life.

Unfortunately there are people who have negative reaction to surgery as well.

Get best advice possible is my suggestion. If you can cope, perhaps no surgery is right course for you.

HI Crystal,

You have both right answer there, in my opinion it is depend on your condition and how you put up with it, just like you over 3.5 yrs ago I waas diagnosed by it, but I resisted not to have surgery because i was scared what was the result was, I was the main income provider - I was earning up to £84.000 per annum, but it was my own unrationale decission for not having surgery because after 2  yrs put up with it, I ended up blacking out frequently and damaging my nerve and anything the connect to CSF...I was houseboundI was lucky, the pain was excruciated, I could not manage with my pain so I decided taking the advise of my health care porfessional, but I got up to 2nd opinion - I was lucky enough to get the one of the best , if you are in the UK contact Ann Conroy Trust, but if you are in the US contact Mayo Clinic... by that time it was too late, I think I damaged my condition so much..the operation was successful, I am free drugs now, no more excruating headache, my balance working well, no dizzyness, is just my back killing me on and off, but after having checked they said they have nothing to do with CM..I can say now ; HOW GLAD I am taking that decision..I have to resign from my job as I said I think I decided too late hence had damaging a part of  my nerves ( I think)..so I have to resign from my job...but I trully suggest  any one who is suffering like me, not to delay and have decompression..MAKE SURE TO GET THE BEST NEURO SURGEON

Hello crystal, I have bee living with CM without surgery. When 1st diagnosed I was 5mm then several years later 1.4cm. My last MRI this year I am at 8mm. I have been working on self-healing and was pleasantly surprised at the shrinkage. I was using a walker when I 1st had major symptoms having been placed in lumbar traction each night with 40 lbs. of weight pulling on my spine for 3 bulging lumbar discs. I was working 3 jobs and at the end of 6 months, I could not work any of them. I would not have been placed in traction if the radiologist had stated in my MRI report that I had ACM. I have other spinal problems too. I paid out of pocket to be evaluated at The Chiari Institute on Long Island, NY after getting no answers from my doctors. I was diagnosed when MRIs 1st became available.

I have been doing so much better over the years but cannot do a lot of what I use to be able to do. Some from the CM and the rest due to my other spinal problems. I am 62 yrs. old and have been 100% disabled since I was 47 yo..