Chiari and strenuous physical activity

[Clintsmum]

Hi there

Can anyone confirm if a person could do really strenuous work after successful decompression surgery.
My son was in the army where they regularly d0 20km pack marches with at least 30kg or more of gear on there back and many other very strenuous exercises involving carrying heavy equipment.
We were assured that within 3 months of successful decompression he should be able to function fully as a soldier and be ready to be deployed to Afghanistan.
I have now read a few articles which seem to indicate that this would not be possible.
Any information or opinions

[flcrakar]

Just know this is MY opinion of the question above you asked.

[flcrakar]

I will be one of the few optimist here....I am a FireMedic and was told that I would never return to my job. Currently I am on short term disability...hate this! Like everyone says we are all different in our abilities before and after surgeries.  I already have proven doctors and family/friends wrong in my life. I am a petite female who has achieved my goal of becoming a firefighter and a paramedic. I have done this while combating osteoporosis. 2 of 3 doctors told me I couldn't do this job because of the osteoporosis. I have proven them wrong for 5 years! No broken bone bones yet!

I have had the honor to chat with another firefighter/paramedic with our condition. He has had decompression surgery and has returned to the Fire and EMS job. He is doing well and is about 9-10 months out from surgery. I will email him your info so he can talk with your son.

All I can say about the situation is the human body is an awsome creation! You are only limited by your mind and your tolerance. Doctors advice should be taken seriously and given a great amount of thought. But...ultimately you are your own person and only you know what it feels like inside. Take your life and live it to its fullest...it's the only one we have! Be positive and try things out, you wont know how you will feel unless you test your limits (carefully though).

[plumsaki]

I had my PFD January 6th.  I have a position that requires a great deal of travel, some physical labor, and long hours.  I can tell you that without a doubt I am completely different since surgery.  I get exhausted much more easily and my ability to cope with stress is greatly diminished.  

As Selma has pointed out, everyone is very different in how they heal.  I do know that my NS had serious reservations about my returning to work at 3 months due to the nature of my position.  I was approved for only 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day to begin with.  I thought I would be able to handle much more, but once I actually got back into the swing of things, I realized how wrong I was.  It is VERY important not to rush things after surgery.  I'm finding out now that I probably did far too much too quickly.  

I hope this helps a bit and that you are able to find the information you seek!

Andrea

[selmaS]

Hi...it is nice to see u on the forum again.

I can tell u from the way I am feeling right now...I had my PFD surgery on May 28th...there is no way I could do strenuous work .....I am not near as young as Clint was.....and I know everyone is different, but I am sure if u contact ne of the chiari drs they may confirm that that might be a bit too optomistic.

I want to commend u on ur persistance in getting the answers u so despertly need.
I pray u find ur peace and if I can help please let me know.

All my best in ur quest

"selma"