Are there ANY positives out there?

[outdoorgal35]

I am trying to come to grips with having surgery or not..yet all I read are pretty much negatives after the surgery..that petrifies me. Does anyone have anything good to say? I realize this is a major brain surgery and knowing that alone scares me, but with all the negatives it scares me more. I realize I probably need to quit reading but I'm trying to get more info and so far, it doesn't seem good..Yes, I know I need a specialist, the 1st doctor I saw (Dr.Wilson) came from up in Ohio and trained with the best is what I was told, this maybe the best i can do.

I just need to hear some positive responses IF there are any at all please..I know this is NOT an easy surgery, just need to know who feels better and didn't suffer with worse symptoms afterwards.

Thanks in advance.

[Rylanesmom]

Just noticed ambien and typing are not friends lol I even transposed words

[linnielou232]

I know how hard this decision is for you, but you will do what is best for you.  As I said before listen to your heart and you will be guided in the right direction.   Wish the best for you

[outdoorgal35]

Thanks for your reply..Glad to hear you benefited some, hope you continue to recover more. :)

I appreciate each and every one of yalls replies, they help more than you know.

[outdoorgal35]

I hope you feel better soon! :)

[outdoorgal35]

Thanks for your reply..I sure hope you have complete healing before long. I just pray I make the right decision..I'm looking to feel better, not worse! Going to pray about it some more. :)

[irislita]

Hi...i wanted to encourage you a bit too.the iperation is an operation no doubt. But brain surgery sounds scarry,but actually they dont touch ur brain.of course u will need time to recover...but u will if u decide to do it.the most important thing is finding a specialist and someone u trust.i am 2months post op now...i really dont think i will get rid of all my symptoms,but already i can breathe again normally,swallow...once in a while go out which i was not able anymore...success is the way you put it...and for us who are suffering from chiari it is a succes not getting more issues.honestly it is one of the most complexes illness i ve ever heard off.i am still fascinated how a few mm herniation can cause soo much trouble.anyhow i do understand u and its just so normal to be scared as u give urself into other hands...i am sure u ll find ur right decision.take ur time

[Rylanesmom]

I just hope I get to a point where hey say. Can help you and this is what we need to do!  With several major things found and several Drs involved  am I. Hurry up and wait mode:( I feel I am worse by the day!

[linnielou232]

By no mean's do we want to scare you or give you negative though'ts.  I know I responsed to you earlier this month about how scared you are.  I also say the Same as every one else.  On a positive note.  I don't regret having surgery at all, but for me.  My doctor told me on Tues I am the most unusual case he has ever seen..  I never thought I would have to go through what I went through, but I don't have no regret's.   Having Chairi and having surgery I am finding out 16mths post op.  It's not a cure but help's with pressure headaches and other isssues you deal with before surgery.  I just know how scared you are because it is a difficult decision to make.  I come on here to try to help other's like yourself to make the right decision that is right for you, and to let you know your not alone in this journey.  This forum has helped me in so many way's and I'm just trying to give support and understanding to other's.  I alway's say follow your heart and you will feel what answer is best for you.  I still have a difficult time with the life altering issues, but we do what we have to do to get through.  Your in my heart and I hope this eases your worries.  Best of luck with your decision.

[outdoorgal35]

I know what you mean! I will let yall know my decision,,I live in Alabama, the doctor(Wilson) came from Ohio. Sorry for the confusion. I have also seen another NS by the name of Dr.Martino..I go back to see Dr.Wilson the 27th of this month, will know more then! Thanks

[outdoorgal35]

Thanks again..I hope you continue to see benefits..You help with each answer I have! :)

[bookworm79]

Outdoorgirl, I struggle with the same questions and whether to have it or not.  I like my Dr. but if you go to this Dr. Wilson, remember to come back and share your experience.  I live in Ohio as well.

[selmaS]

  Well I was a few months b4 my 50th birthday when I had mine...so I know what u mean, and wish I had a dx yrs earlier....

I should add that I continue to see benefits from my surgery,It does take time, and that is one other factor that bothers me, no one , not even ur NS can put a time line on when u can do this or that, only u can....I am not saying not to try, but listen to ur body and take it slow, it takes up  to 2 yrs for ur nerves to heal, the outside scar heals much faster...I am a slow healer as a result of my EDS  but I am so grateful to have had it, and once I deal with my other conditions and issues I will feel much better : )

    "selma"

[outdoorgal35]

Good to hear things worked out in your favor. And yes, it helped..I pray you continue to recover..Thanks for your reply..I don't want anyone to sugar coat things for me by any means, but this is the results I pray for as well.

[outdoorgal35]

Thanks for your reply..just have alot of emotions going on..I'm scared if I wait it'll get worse and I am 39..I don't want to be 50 when I have this surgery and have a harder time recovering. ugh..Thanks

[cash242]

yes there are positives, my surgery helped me so much, the pressure headaches are gone I can think again and as I am not even a year post op I improve every month. I did have to have a cervical fusion 2 weeks ago but since then headaches are so much better. I work almost full time and if I don't overdue I am good. I also have a good friend that had an 18 mm herniation and besides a small amount of tingling in feet is completely normal 5 years post op. I feel encouraged and when it isn't good I have to remember I am still healing. I hope this helps you!

[selmaS]

  There are plenty of positives, look at the list of members, and see all that do not actively participate, mainly that is bcuz they are doing great! Once they have surgery they go back to their lives they stop posting, those that have issues, keep posting...I try to keep  everyone to come back to show it is possible to feel good post op...

But what u also have to understand is, besides the fact we are all different, it depends on how long u had symptoms b4 u had surgery as to if u may have perm nerve damage...AND depending on what is going on with u u may get worse with out surgery....it is not should I have it , it is do I need it now...or can I wait.....and if I do what are the consequences.
Next, getting the right Dr, too many go with Drs that promise to cure them, and then find them selves worse off then b4...that can be lack of experience ...Lastly, many for unknown reasons develop post op conditions such as ICP, epilepsy, and seizures....there is no way to know b4....

But, to not have surgery can also cause these issues, and also make recovery less possible the longer u wait...talk to a true chiari specialist, once u have the decision is easier, it is still scary, but u have us to help u  : )

  "selma"