Mayfield Clinic (Ohio) vs. Chiari Center in Wisconsin

[4DancingGoats]

61 yr old adult, newly diagnosed this week (8 mm.) Live in NW Arkansas so ready to go out of state (and spend life savings) to get the right kind of help!   Reading posts from another website describe both these well known chiari centers (which we have just discoverd) in such extremes - there were many bad posts for each: "I would not send my dog there" for example, and then good ones "doctor did a great job"-

How does one decide?  And is it possible that going to just one surgeon not connected with a speciality center but who does the surgery well would be just as good an option? Feeling overwhelmed and grateful for all help!  

[soccero]

Sorry its taken me a few days to reply. Dr. Heffez talks a good game, but in my opinion doesn't consider all aspects of what is wrong. He didn't look into Tethered Cord Syndrome, or ehlers-danlos syndrome. Which are major factors! I saw Dr. Henderson, He takes all things into consideration, Thats not to say he's perfect either lol Ive also seen Dr. Bolognese but have never had surgery with him.
If you have any other questions please ask and i will do my best to answer, even if i am a little late lol
Molly

[Elisaandbucky]

I know there are some written reports on several surgeons that you could find scarey, but know that what Selma says is a key factor. Some people do not follow post op directions. My own surgeon writes in his post op instructions that 50 percent of a successful surgery is his part and the other 50 percent is up to the patient. I did travel to see my doctor - and have put out some time and money with the travel. Today I have had 2 surgeries with my doctor and I feel confident in my choice to see him and in my opportunity to regain a quality of life. Presently, after  craniocervical fusion, I am wearing a neck brace and I am not driving. It is difficult (mostly the not being able to drive), but I keep returning to the fact that a successful recovery is also my responsibility. There are a lot of days that I get really frustrated, but I printed out the post op instructions and read through them when I need encouragement. The other good thing is the wonderful support you get from the many kind and quite knowledgeable members you will find here. Keep current. Ask more questions because the more you know, the better prepared you will feel. I wish you good researching and hope you are feeling well today.

[4DancingGoats]

Thank you so much for taking time to reply....the Wisconsin Center looks so good on website...if you can share any more details, that would be helpful (if site allows)

Did you find a neurosurgeon or center or hospital that you really found helpful after all?

Nan

[4DancingGoats]

Than you so much for your wise and kind reply....it is very helpful right now. Will continue to research and read on!!  Blessings, nan

[DSH519]

I had the greatest surgeon at the main campus at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Even 14 years later I can get a return call from the surgeon within 24 hours. He thinks I Amy have a problem again, and ordered the tests from 1000 miles away (I now live in central Florida). One of the most important things to consider when selecting a surgeon is trust.  Not everyone will be happy with any doctor out there.  If there's trust and confidence it will make pre-op anxiety and post-op recovery easier because you won't have to worry if they did a good job or not.

[soccero]

Hi,
I had two surgeries with dr heffez at wisconsin, I do not suggest going there! have had many more since
Molly

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I went to 3 NS's not affiliated with  as a Chiari Center and did not find Drs that were well informed or could even refer me elsewhere....I did more research and found going to  TCI in NY was the better choice for me.

Only by going and comparing can you know which is the right Dr and that is after you educate yourself on things/tests your Dr should suggest b4 offering surgery....and yes, some of what others say should be weighed....but sometimes it is a personal issue and not the Drs abilities they complain about....also some patients over do it and cause their own set backs post op.....so many things to consider.

We do not post negative things about Drs, but have a list of Drs here that members have been to, treated by and liked...I suggest you take a look and go from that and again...research them as much as you can and compare and go with who feels good to you.