Fatigue after Chiari surgery

[happy1975]

I am 8 weeks post Chiari decompression and am feeling very grateful how well I am doing, however am having days where I am so fatigued I can barely get out of bed.  Other days I feel great and have been walking 3-4 miles and even ran over a mile the other day.  Is there any explanation for this? Also, how long does it typically last? I am so grateful as I really don't have much pain and the pressure headaches are almost totally gone, but the fatigue is still a major hurdle, especially now that I am back to work and have 2 kids to care for.  

[Wyssa]

I'd say start off very small. It's totally normal to have good days and bad days. Base what you should be doing on your bad days, and build up from there. Doing too much on good days, could be the reason why your bad days are making you so fatigued. It takes a while to heal, so don't run faster than you have strength. :)

[Elisaandbucky]

Your energy level sounds like it varies a lot. My own does also. I also walk, but lately have not been too motivated to do so. How is your diet (protein intake). I am not really faithful to keeping up I with required vitamins and nutrients. I am not a vegetarian, but do not eat beef. It gets interesting trying to find protein substitutes. It is truly amazing how much diet affects your daily activity. And, I must agree that driving is amazingly tiring. Although, I am not presently driving because I am in my neck brace from fusio surgery a month ago. I hope you can have the opportunity to rest and heal. Also, try to walk, but not run. It may be the wrong activity for you now.

[selmaS]

  Sorry but I feel that could be your issue...6 weeks post op and back to work...not a good idea in my opinion....you are still healing...and will be for some time....

[happy1975]

I went back 6 weeks post.  I am an occupational therapist and do home care ironically specializing in brain injury, but my schedule has been quite light, however I do drive to patient's homes.  Driving does seem to fatigue me more.  

[selmaS]

Hi, may I ask when you went back to work and what do you do? It is possible you are doing too much too soon.