Scared pt. w/ Chiari Malformation surgery soon

Hi Gemini,

I felt a bit strange reading your post. I'm a Gemini and was the same age as you when I had the decompression surgery. My oldest was 14 at the time and my youngest just a year old. It's pretty safe to say that after surgery 'wonder woman' will need a break to get her head to function again. The operation is quite a big one so expect to feel groggy (you'll be on painkillers for a while)  and you'll have a very stiff neck. I could do everyday things like bathing and dressing myself but couldn't cook a large meal or do housework for at least a month. Everyone's recovery is different though. You'll need to pace yourself, let others take control for a while if possible. You've been very lucky in getting your surgery so quickly after diagnosis and with only just over a week to go you must be very nervous.

Try not to worry too much, these surgeons know exactly what they are doing. Get yourself a big, fluffy pair of slippers and a comfy dressing gown for your recovery!

It's been well over 20 years since my decompression and I'm in my early sixties now, I'm sill 'wonder woman' to my family and am as normal as anyone else so you have your whole life to look forward to!

I wish you all the very best and all your fellow sufferers on here will want to know how the op went so keep us posted please. xx

Good luck love get lots of rest no more superwoman for u for a while cause u might think u can,but u set ur self back take your time as much as u need

Dear Gemini, I just had my decompression done a month ago with r Flint and his team at the QE hospital in Birmingham - a day after the operation - my headache and horrendous pain on my neck disappear straight away, what a relief - but the first 3 weeks was the hard part in coping with the recovery period.. (just remember!!! - it is an invasive surgery - they cut your C1 [skull at the back of your head]..so you can imagine, but as long as you think positive that you are going to b e the successful one, nothing could happen to you,  Mr Flint asked me to drink at 2 littres of liquid a day. I did not like plain water and I like to drink anything with highest antioxydant for speedy recovery so I drink even until now at least 2 carton of innocent juice or buy a cordial for hospital mix it with your water its help with the recovery. The sooonest you could mobilise yourself after surgery, just move slowly but take it easy.  I am listening to my nurses and Mr Flint advice as well, I have not done any hovering, nor cleaning a big task such as bath room, changing beds, I let my husband and my son help me, I start to walk at the back of my garden 3 days ago for 5 minutes then gentle exercise (tai chi type0 for 3 mnts, next week I am going to start walking in the park for 10minutes, and on the 3rd month I will start to walk for 15 - 20 mnts carry on up to 7 mnths and to see how I am doing - so I resigned from my previous job - I used to be Sales Executive - so I travell a lot and carrying lots of exhibition stuff, I do not think this job is suitable for chiarian..as it need lots of lifting..carrying thing, even though my symptom all gone..we have to be careful not to repeat the same mistake such others, they go back to work too quickly..I heard that chiarin should be very careful of what the next role they hold..heavy lifting..repeat movement I think definately is a NO-NO. 

At the hospital : I never used my pijamas, I ending up utilising what the hospital had provided me.. its much easier.

I washed my hair the soonest they tok the stiches out (8 days after)

Eat properly try to add with more fruits or supplements

No high hill shoes for at least after 7 months (thats what I was told) - I have a little nap now and then, just listening to my body - I also spray the whole of my body and rub it with magnesium oil after a shower each night. I must say, in my opinion my decompression was a successful one, I am so glad that I made the right decision by having surgery as I have my quality of life back.

I wish youGOOD LUCK!!!! and be positive like what others have put it here, and also be glad that they are going to operate that as quickly as possible some people (to include me) I have to wait for nearly 9 months to have this surgery. So count yourself being blessed and thanks the LORD for that.