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555358 tn?1292532061

How many zipperheads?

I was noticing some threads about people that are scheduled to have decompression surgery and it got me thinking; How many of us already have had it? We should make a list. Oh and by-the-by, the term for people that have had it is "zipperhead". I guess like they refer to people with heart surgery as having a zipper in their chest.

I know of a few;

Shane99 (me)
Lovemygirls (who, by the way is doing fine, but having computer problems)
Sissy
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum and to being a zippersister !!

Helpful - 0
7613382 tn?1392610721
Zipperhead as of 4-16-2014

I love my scar!!!
I am a Chiari Warrior!!!!!
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Avatar universal
Zipperhead as of 9/11/14 had a suboccipital craniectomy w duraplasty and c1-c3 laminectomy. In the month following surgery underwent spinal tap, spinal fluid catheter drain and blood patch
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Good for you....I was not doing much at this point post op.....

I went for walks...but not grocery shopping....I have issues with florescent lighting...so I avoid stores still today....

Glad it is all going well for you and pray it continues to go as well.
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Avatar universal
Doc said everything looked great today. Trimmed a little knot off the end of the scar on my head.

Cleared me for regular showers.
Cleared me to drive since I have most of the movement back in my neck.
Said no heavy lifting, and return visit in 3 weeks.

Been weaning myself off of the pain meds already,Tylenol seems to work fine for pain, and I have muscle relaxers that I take in the evening.

Spent most of the morning with my wife, we went grocery shopping, put gas in the vehicle, etc. Ate lunch and had a nice 2.5 hour nap.
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Good luck to you.....I pray it all goes according to your plan.

Keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
I'll be stir crazy way before 5 weeks are done, but I'm going to go really easy and heal for those 5 weeks. First post-op follow-up with my surgeon is this morning.

I'm an active person who works out daily and likes to get up every day and go to work. I'm in great physical shape, and got into even better shape in preparation for the surgery by really cranking up my workouts for the 5 weeks between scheduling surgery and having it. I'd say I was in better shape at 48 before my surgery than I was at 28.

My work load is already planned as "very light" when I get back.
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Much of how you feel in recovery can also be the meds so be careful....it is also possible for symptoms to return as you heal....so again, take it slow....

Only 5 weeks?...I am not sure that will be enuff....

Do keep us posted on your recovery process and when you go back to work how you do with it at that point post op.
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Avatar universal
Taking 5 weeks off of work and I am planning on relaxing the entire time other than a couple of short walks every day that they told me to take just to expand my lungs. I felt the benefits right in recovery. My legs have felt like they were mildly cramped for the last 5 months, but when I woke up in recovery they felt brand new.
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum and to being a Zipperhead.

Please add your Drs info on our Dr list thread.....

  Glad you are seeing some benefits already...just remember do not over do it at this point as you can suffer set backs,...take your time getting back into daily routines.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I became a zipperhead on August 4th 2014.

Had Decompression surgery, a C1 laminectomy, and Duraplasty .

Dr. Michael Stechison was the fine surgeon that did my surgery. Spent 3 days in the hospital, then went home. My legs feel like brand new.

Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi the best thing I can tell you is relax...have patience and do not rush to get back to your normal lifestyle.

   Keep positive and us posted : )
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going to be a new zipperhead as of July 2nd, 2014. I've been doing as much research as possible, but I know to focus on the good things, not the bad stories! Any advice as I get ready to join the Zipperhead club?
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4816750 tn?1368804670
July 25, 2012
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari community and to being a Zipperhead !!!

  It is a long road and to help with ur recovery...rest, rest and then rest some more...do not be  tempted to do too much at this point....allow ur body to heal and take ur time b4 u try to do typical house chores no matter how good u feel .....wait !!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey guys, official zipperhead as of 16th April, in recovery and trying to take it easy on myself and stay in control. It's been a long road and my thoughts are with all of you xx
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.


....and to the Zipperhead club......I hope u plan on sharing ur chiari journey with us : )
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Zipperhead as of 9 Oct 2012.  Doctor Oro performed the surgery which included inserting a titanium plate he designed.  
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Bumping up for newly Zippered to add their names to the Zipperhead club.
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Avatar universal
My neck was zipped in 2000, & my head in 2012.  I have a very loooong zipper.
No regrets, at all!
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi, may I ask who she is being seen by now?

  Without naming names and getting too detailed about the bad experience can u tell me how u r getting her the help she needs?

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Avatar universal
Heffez totally blew my daughter off. Waste of a trip up to Milwaukee. Doctor was interupted several times during her appointment. Now find out that my daughter does need surgery.
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Avatar universal
Zipperhead as of July 2nd 2012.
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3112631 tn?1356653557
Four time zipperhead here! First zip June 2005; most recent August 2012.
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