Risks of recurring Chiari do to physical labor?

The last time I was at the Pain Clinic the Consultant said "Here. Take this leaflet about fybromyalgia. I'm not saying you have it, but you should read it anyway". Another perfect example of how all doctors other than neurosurgeons, are incredibly reluctant to even say anything conclusive, let alone do something!

It's difficult because once there is no surgery to do, there is no need to see a surgeon any longer, yet it seems that they are the only one's who have the necessary knowledge to treat CM.

It can feel really lonely worrying about a condition where there are so few answers, which is why it is important to take control for yourself. I felt scared by the lack of knowledge amongst medical professionals about this condition, but now I think, "If nobody seems to know any better, than my opinion is just as valid as anyone's with regards to my own health". This has given me the confidence to decide what I feel in right for me with things like exercise, mediacation, physio etc.

Most importantly, it has taken alot of the worry and fear out of the situation allowing me to feel possitive about the future.

I must mention that any decision I make I will try to get reassurance from my own research, other patients and also doctors where possible. I hope you are able to find similar comfort soon, you will be so greatful for the relief of letting go of some worries.

I know it seems minimal, but this simple change can put your body and mind back into the state it needs to be in so that you can heal properly. The human body is truly amazing as to what it can overcome, our job is to help it do that.

Please let us all know how you get on as you return to different activities, and any tips you discover along the way.

Nihilo

hi elizabeth,

before you going back or do anything like that, best thing is contact your neuro surgeon, lets have a check to see your condition, as i heard and read each person are different, just to make sure that you are ok to go back..I know you might be dying to go back to work due to a boredom or financial pressure but our condition is very rare and halth is the most important in our loife..so you don't want to get worse..you have responsibility to look after yourself...only you know about your condition..if i were you..i will make sure that I am really ok..my stamina in a fully recovery..i don't really care what other think about me..i might do without a little longer until such a time when i am sure and confident and my specialist really happy with my condition..good luck

HI there, It sounds like you really had a rough time with your Chiari, i am sorry to hear that.

so i am actually in the US. I had a decompression and laminectomy in decemeber of this year. I had a pretty successful surgery and was out of work for a month and return for light duty for 3 weeks after. It is what the neurosurgeon recommended. My Neurosurgeon was very specific on what i could and couldnt do.

My surgeon also states that Chiari cant be cured and can occur again if the syrnix builds up in my spine again. So it was recommended for me to call them when i start to have reoccurant symptoms.

it is definitely best to take the recovery time. I had numbness in my head for up to 5 months after my surgery.

I will not be doing any heavy lifting or strenuous activities ever because i know that causes me to have a headache.

After the surgery it is basically learning what you can tolerate and what you cant. I am still learning what movements/activies cause my headaches to begin and most importantly, how to treat them when they do come. I am fortunate that the headaches are my only reoccurant symptom. I believe now that it may be a result of muscle weakness in my neck and needing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. Have you thought to call ur neurologist to see abt physical therapy and the benefits it could have before you return to work so you are aware of what you can handle.

hope this helps.

good luck!

I had decompression surgery in August 2014 and was on hospital 2wks. I lost my speech and couldn't swallow, I had to have a liquid diet for a couple of weeks, but it all came back ok. But I was still dizzy and being sick for about 3 month. Even now I have to take medication for the nausea but not as often. My neurosurgeon has told me to do things slowly and is happy to discharge me. I have started a little cleaning job in a hospital, just 3hrs a day. Some days I struggle and others I'm fine. My head is still numb on the left side and I get the feeling something is crawling through my hair and nipping me. I'm from the north east of England. I'm so pleased found this sight and what other people suffer with this condition. As said before the surgery isn't a cure but to prevent the symptoms getting worse. I still get bit pressure headache but not on the scale before surgery. But don't want to have surgery again if I can help it, I never felt so I'll..... Helen