Confused

[J2Family]

I have the significant headaches three times a month, then just a dull ache the other times, dizziness nightly with any changing position, numbing of my left side of my face from time to time maybe 3 to 4 times a week for about an hour, weakness in my hands and more recently my everyday walking balance is off.  When I lay down to my right my eyes go into a rapid movement like a move picture flickering.  Double vision from time to time but recently has vastly improved even the colors that are displayed... then goes back to blurry.... My Chiari is 8 mm.  I was just diagnosis because I had what looked like a stroke.  

At what point do you decide to have the surgery?
Is Chiari linked to MS ?  (This confused me)
Do they eventually pull your license because you are unable to not be dizzy?

Look forward to hearing back from you that really know.  (I am single mom of two and have a few concerns)

[AKC_75]

NSAID

[AKC_75]

What OTC meds for pain is not an NSIAD???

[selmaS]

  Again I must defer to whether or not a person has other medical issues related to Chiari...and I do.....I have tethered cord, spinal stinosis, mild scoliosis, ehlers-danlos,hashimoto's thyroiditis.....

Many times we r not aware of these other underlying conditions as I always thought I was a healthy person, and I was very active and busy....

Since I do have other issues I did not go back to work, nor do I drive nemore....I still have some vision issues that even I prefer not to drive with.

As for "normal" it depends on what ur "normal" is....as this condition progressed I think what my "normal" then I have not gotten back which is a good thing...but I have a new "normal" which I feel still changes and gets better all the time....still with some limitations due to my other conditions.

Aleve is a OTC dose of Naproxin and is an NSAID med which can cause ringing in the ears.

[J2Family]

I only take Aleve for the pain.... the other symptoms are coming like a flood.  I am perfectly healthy minus Chirai... They have done an MRI and CT and both confirm the 8 mm but I do not want to get to the point where I loose my job.  

After the surgery, do you live a normal life again?

Thank you again...
Stephanie

[selmaS]

Could be just about nething, stress, or over doing it...bu lifting, pulling ,pushing...ne strain could cause a flare...even a hard cough...or sneeze could trigger a flare.

I did have surgery, and recovery time depends on the individual as many of us do have other underlying conditions which can affect how we heal.

May I ask what do u take for ur pain? NSAIDS can cause ringing in the ears or tinnitus.....and brain fog....I know it is very frustrating and at times amusing, but only when we look back on it....never in the moment.

Just remember b4 u consider surgery make sure they test u for ALL related conditions as they will affect how u feel and heal post op.

[J2Family]

What causes them to flare up?  Does lifting flare them up?  
Did you have the surgery and what was the recovery time?

Now I have the ringing in the ears and the symptom I hate the most... not remembering the word.

Three days now of head aches....

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Yes, Chiari is linked to MS in that they have similar symptoms.....and many are misDX'd with MS when it is really Chiari ,....

Chiari symptoms cycle...so ur symptoms can flare...come and go...etc....u can go months with no symptoms and then all of a sudden they flare and seem never ending....

Surgery is considered ( at least for me) once I knew if I had a CSF obstruction, and knew ALL testing for related and non related conditions were done, ruled out or discovered....and once I knew I had the right Dr....as we need a true Chiari specialist and they will help guide u...so educate urself on Chiari, related conditions and what testing u need to have done....with ur symptom change with position change, u may have POTS as well....so do have ALL conditions ruled out.

Chiari symptoms cycle so see if u r in a flare or if ur symptoms continue for long periods at a pace u can no longer tolerate...
Being a single mom, u will need help....depending on the age of ur children it could be several months of help as u will not be able to lift....

Know u r not alone....