Chiari Malformation and Spinal Cord Syrinx

[LisaLisaLeAnna]

I just found out last week that I have Chiari Malformation and a rather large Syrinx on my spinal cord. I am 32 years old raising 3 children, I have so many questions. I am scared out of my mind. I am currently enrolled in school to become a Medical Coding Specialist, and I never in a million years thought that what I was studying last week would be going on inside of me. Can anyone tell me what I can expect? How painful is it after the surgery? How long will I be out of commission or recovery usually take? (as far as my kids, and  school) How bad is the scarring? (I will soon be going to job interviews) I'm scared of the possibility of paralysis. There are so many questions that I want to know answers for and also so many questions I don't know to ask. I am still in shock. I am still trying to accept this, and not break down in tears.

[LisaLisaLeAnna]

I got the links, and Thank you.

[selmaS]

  Hi...I did give u some info on the other thread u posted on....

AS far as the questions u posted here....there is no way to tell u what to expect, or how much pain u may have .....the scar should not be too bad as it is hidden by ur hair....

What is more important is how long u may have had the obstruction....
  and then finding out what else u may have going on, there are related conditions like Ehlers-Danlos, ICP, sleep apnea....

We are all different and so are the drs that treat us, so ur experience may be totally different from mine...many of the members post a journal of their surgical experience for those that want to read them....I invite u to read mine...just click on my name, it takes u to my profile page, u will find my journal there.

   "selma"