How long before the pain goes away?

[ericsgirl98]

I am new here. I had chiari decompression surgery on June 24th, 2014 (10 days ago) and have been home almost a week. Is it normal for me to still be in a lot of pain? My neck is sore, yes, and I expected that, but I am having severe headaches, much like the headaches I had before the surgery, except they are constant now. Often they feel like sinus headaches, in different clusters on my face or the side of my head, and I always get headaches with movement of any kind. The only way to avoid them is to remain still. I know it is still early but I am very discouraged. I am still taking pain meds and a muscle relaxer, which help, but I'm worried that the surgery just made everything worse. Am I over-reacting? Any advice or encouragement from those of you who've been there?

[frankie_rush]

Mine lasted about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks.  Then started to go away slowly.  One thing I did find out was I was moving my neck ( head ) turning to much.  Trust me it does get better with the pain.

[Christianchiari]

I also had surgery on the 24th. My nurse suggested  that I start to taper off pain meds since I was still having problems with bowels. I had finished asteroid. Those headaches that you are describing Is what I had. I started taking meds because  that pain was unbearable.  I called my NS he said  it was aseptic meningitis. Put me back on another 2 weeks go steroids. Felt better in 4 hours. This was Friday night. I didn't have yo take any medication today. I'm trying over the counter tomorrow. Seeing him on Tuesday to get stitches out. I don't feel a leakage.

[AnnieDear]

Exactly.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

As the others have mentioned it is typical to still have pain, more surgical type pains then HA's with movement which makes me wonder, do u feel better laying down, and do the HA's start when u sit up?

If so, u may have a CSF leak....so do call ur Dr and let him/her know. Have u had ur stitches out yet?

At this point post op u need to keep on a med schedule so u stay ahead of the pain....and not wait till u have pain to take the meds as they will not work then....and do not try and do anything except walking, and neck exercises....no bending , lifting, pulling or pushing....so rest, rest and rest some more...I pray u r feeling better soon.

[Elisaandbucky]

What caught me about your post is your love of volley ball. I am sorry to hear that playing now has resurfaced your symptoms. Be careful not to minimize any report of symptoms.

Before my definitive diagnosis, I ran my first two half marathons and found running to be a cleansing experience. I was strictly advised to stop running because of the high impact. I am sad. It even gets me teary when I see my running partner running without me. I have been athletic my entire life, so I walk now - fast, aerobic level. It is not giving me the thrill of running, but I am moving. My surgery is scheduled for 7/29.

June 24 is very recent, and it is advised that you do not push the recovery. Your love of volley ball has to make that difficult. I will send prayers to you

[Lizzini]

Hey there I just want to share that I had decompression surgery June 2nd and my first week was difficult also. Don't be discouraged after you hit the 2wk mark you will slowly start to feel improvement. Continue to take your meds regularly I made the mistake and over slept or just forgot and it's hard to get on top of the pain once it's got bad. So I really encourage you to take your pain meds and muscle relaxers hoe your NS prescribed them. Also don't be hard on yourself don't move to much I you can help it. I keep my head elevated at all times even though I'm 4wks postoperative. I got a wedge pillow and one of those half circle pillows that people us on a plane trip beta cause it's very adjustable and snuggles right in your neck so u can get comfortable. Remember you just had brain surgery and you need time to heal your csf is finding its new flow your brain and spinal cord are all settling into their new position. Just try and rest I will keep you in my prayers. I also have pains but it has got much better so just give yourself some time tasks care!