Getting Decompression Surgery

[Jkebyr]

Hi, I'm Jake and I'm 17. I was diagnosed with a 7.5mm herniation last spring and after a spinal MRI this summer the herniation went to 10mm in addition to a syrinx. I will be getting the decompression next month, the surgeon seems to really know what she's doing, and I think the surgery will help. Still, I'm a little nervous about what's to come. I was just hoping I could hear some other stories and some advice?

[stactheacetx]

I recently had surgery as well, Sept 18. I had a 11 mm herniation and 4mmx17in syrinx that was found in April. I waited until September to have surgery since my twins were starting kindergarten. I too was very nervous about the surgery. The dr said recovery would be 4-6 weeks. I am 3.5 weeks and life has pretty much returned to normal. I am taking care of my 3 kids, doing light housework, and running errands. I am still cautiously taking it easy because I don't want to overdue it. The 4 days I was in the hospital were by far the worst only because I was severely nauseous. I am completely off all meds except Tylenol when my neck is feeling stiff. What other symptoms did you have? My symptoms started in April and before then I hadn't noticed any other symptoms. I had a headaches (that lasted a few days), tingling throughout my left side. All symptoms are gone.

[Jkebyr]

Thank you both for posting, I'm feeling a little better about the surgery having heard that. As far as I know at least I don't have any other related conditions.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am so sorry ur are having to face this surgery, it is scary....I was scared, but  it was the best thing for me, and I do not regret having had it...I am much better like Frankie I have many symptoms that are GONE>..a few issues that linger....but I do have other related conditions, so I can not blame some of the remaining issues on Chiari as they were not just from Chiari.

May I ask other then a syrinx, do u have other related conditions, do u know if u have a CSF obstruction?

[frankie_rush]

Hello and Welcome to the forum,

Just to let you know it is normal to be nervous.  I had a hernination of 7mm and a syrbnix  from C2-C7.  If you read my journal it tell everything that has been done.  But don't let it scare you, I would do it all again.  I had some symptoms before and I have a few that has stayed around but only becouse I am a good host.  I have had a little more done that the decomprression.  The symptoms I had before was balance issues, Looking up and laying flat down would get very dizzy and light headed, choking when swallowing and the stiff neck sometimes but that is do to the rods I have and not the decompression.  The tingling throuhg out my body, that is do to nerves regenerating themselves.  So here is the list :

          Had/still have                                         Gone
           Balance                                                 Gone
          Swallowing\choking                                Gone
          Dizzy looking up or laying down             Gone
          Nerve Tingle                                          Got -- regenerating 2years
           Neck stiffness                                        Got
So I would trade any day and plus can still do alot of the tings I could do before and if not just a diferent way to do them.  So if asing would do it again yes is the answer.  If you need to talk or anything let me know I am here.