7 Months Post-Op

[MeganAD89]

I've never posted before, but I'm curious about the long-term recovery timeline others have experienced.

I had my Chiari decompression surgery on June19, 2014, so I'm a little over 7 months out. I was out of the hospital in 3 days and I recovered in about 4 weeks and returned to work about 9 weeks after my operation.

In the last few months, I've experienced occasional muscle spasms in my neck, on either side of my incision. For the past few days, I've had stiffness and soreness on either side of my head - sort of above and behind my ears. I also feel some pressure in my head, which varies in intensity.

None of it is severe, and I know how lucky I am to be experiencing so few difficulties, but it's kind of hard to focus at work and to relax when I'm feeling this way. Anyone experience this or have any suggestions as to how alleviate the tension?

I should add that I started swimming a few times a week in order to lose weight. I'm 26 and overweight and trying to get healthier after the frightening year I had in 2014.

Thanks,
Megan

[Elisaandbucky]

You both had your surgeries pretty recently. Be very cautious with exercise of any kind. It is better to be steady and consistent without injury than to overdo anything and have to stop for a time. For me, interruptions in routine are the biggest setbacks, so be careful to be able to continue slowly. My surgery was at the end of July - in fact, my 6-month post-op visit is tomorrow. I am hoping that my own exercise hasn't damaged anything because my neck continues to be pretty painful. I hope you both do well with the rest of your recoveries. Keep posting to let the community members continue to give you the support we all need.

[caza1118]

Hi Megan i'm also 26 by the way, also overweight but i can't help as i'm only 3 months post op. But thought i'd just share. Lol

[MeganAD89]

Hello,

Thanks for your comment! Yes, I occasionaly do neck stretches, though to be honest, I should be more disciplined.

I have a desk job that doesn't require any physical activity.

I eased into swimming and I am careful to breathe and take my time so as not to push myself too hard.

Megan

[Elisaandbucky]

Hi, Megan. The pressure and stiffness you are experiencing near your incision ans behind your ears sounds very close to my own condition right now. I had my surgery a month later than you did, and my recovery was pretty steady, but I still eased back on my activity. I still experience neck pain (and I should be doing the neck exercises given to me in the hospital more faithfully). Are you doing these?

have a unique work situation in that I teach American Lit. at a small college part-time. I stopped last spring and have not yet returned. However, I am still able to make money by editing. I live close to many colleges and I am editing doctoral candidates' dissertations, which I can do at home. I do still think about teaching, but I know I could not do it well any time soon. What type of work do you do? Anything physical must be quite difficult for you (only 7 months after surgery). Swimming is a wonderful activity; just be certain to be reasonable with your exertion level.

[MeganAD89]

Thank you, Selma!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

You could get 10 different answers as we are all different....and I might add WOW that was a fast turn around...getting back to work etc...and working out already as well....goodness you are doing a lot!

For swimming, try swimming on your back as holding your head up could continue to work on those neck muscles......I found just walking or "jogging" in water worked better then trying to swim in the conventional way....but while on my back....it was much nicer......so that is what I did,,,,but not as soon as you did.

I hope you went back to work part time to start?....The best thing you can do is the neck exercises given post op to keep the muscles from getting tight...get a good nights sleep....as it may help with focusing.....if you have issues with sleep and feeling refreshed talk to your Dr about this.

  Head pressure can be due to stress or weather related.....

  Try different ways to relax at the end of your work day...relax in the tub etc...