Do you ever feel like you're trading one symptom for another?

[The_beat_goes_on]

I might just be having a bad morning. I'm tapering off post op pain meds and I can't help but think back to my diagnosis. And how I felt then. Compared to how I feel now. I know it's too soon for me to say I don't feel better. But I almost miss not knowing what was wrong with me. Eight billion IVs ago.

[selmaS]

  Oh I hear you...need those comfy pants....lol....

Glad to hear you do not have cognitive issues....but I know we all tend to feel we have that issue with Chiari as we find word searching a task....and other issues as well....but with time you will find yourself doing better and not realizing when it took place....

Just be careful doing laundry....too much bending and lifting is not good.

[The_beat_goes_on]

I have been doing crossword puzzles, and reading, and I feel better because I was afraid I was having cognitive issues.  But now I'm almost positive that it is only weakness. But my balance is definitely worse.  I did read a little more on my hospital portal and syringobulbia is mentioned as a diagnosis (it wasn't in my MRI report)  ... but really, thinking I was having cognitive issues was what bothered me most.  I do not consent to scalpel to the soul.

and you asked what my dura patch this time was.  it's bovine.  I'm officially part cow.  I have titanium in my body, and whatever the shunt valve is made of .... and those things have been fine. but my last patch was autologous.  I had aseptic meningitis after my first surgery, and hydrocephalus.

I see my neurosurgeon's PA in the morning.  Maybe this is all normal. maybe time to open a valve back up.  they stopped draining before surgery for fear of further herniation, so maybe a pressure issue.

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday! I am finally doing much needed laundry.  When you're out of clean yoga pants, there's a problem.

[selmaS]

@ the_beat_ - I know what you mean and it can take time to feel better...in fact we have a  few stages we all go thru post op....since the symptoms can reappear after surgery and depression can set in as well as grief for the loss of the life we had prior.....but I am here to tell you it can be a stage you are in now and it can get better....I was actually able to get into my SIL's SUV with out help the other day...I  remember feeling so proud of my self for such a mindless task....but it was a huge set forward for me....but I also am feeling the best I have since my surgery....and even prior....I went unDX'd until age 48.....far too long to wonder what is wrong....and now I am glad I had surgery and am doing better.....hang in there <3

[KerriC1]

I understand that totally. I was undiagnosed/misdiagnosed for 15 plus years. And  when I finally heard a name for this, I was sad and relieved at the same time. Funny how that works! It's so sad what we endure during this chiari journey. I wish you all the best and hope this second surgery will be your last!

[The_beat_goes_on]

A week of relief? man!  I think my angst stems from being diagnosed at an age where I had already lived with symptoms for longer than I haven't.  (12-13 and diagnosed at 25)  and these surgeries are so tough.  I hope you find relief, too!

[KerriC1]

I'm sorry you're feeling badly. I you've been through a lot lately and I'm sure it is too soon to tell, but you always hope for that instant relief! Hopefully you will be seeing the benefits soon!

I do feel like I traded one symptom for another. I had my surgery July 27, and only had about a week of chiari relief. But that was mixed in with surgical pain too...  Now things have gotten worse including numbness in hands and feet and vision issues again. Now I'm seeing halos in my eyes. So I have an appointment with a new ns next month to see what may be going on. I was told CCI, so I'm not sure if it's that, chiari, or both....

Anyway, I hope you begin to feel better soon!