My neurologist is a GENIUS! not...

So after being diagnosed with Chiari type 1 and arthritis in my spine... I went to my neurologist. He told me that my Chiari has absolutely nothing to do with my numbness, fatigue, muscle weakness, clumsiness, bad balance, speaking issues, my lazy eye, and a not so great memory. He said that the ONLY symptoms of Chiari are swallowing problems and headaches brought on by sneezing or coughing or lifting. When I asked him what causes it he said, "You were born with it.. you aren't perfect." and then he told me to come back in a year. I felt like he thinks I am a moron that is complaining about insignificant things happening to my mind and my body. My family wants me to see a specialist. Thank God my family knows that I am not nuts or a hypochondriac. I am not an emotional person, but after my appointment with Dr. Insensitive/Oblivious I just felt like crying.

[selmaS]

  HI so many of us have met Drs just like this, they r the ones that do not have a clue as to how Chiari can and does affect us....going to a specialist is a good choice.

[linnielou232]

I feel your flustration, and I hope you can brush this guy off and find another NS.  There is the right one out there for you and you will know it when you find them.  I went to 3 NS before I found someone who listened and explained and helped me get through this difficult time.  I felt like I was going nut's also and I know I'm not crazy and neither are you.  I am happy to hear you have a family that understands.  It helps.  Keep being persistant of what is going on and you will find answers.  Wishing you the best in this journey, know your not alone..
Linda ;)

[SamanthaET]

Thanks guys. At first I felt defeated. Now I am okay with it.. and it feels pretty cool to be smarter than a neurologist in SOME way :)

[actressmouse]

I had several docs dismiss me in this way...basically, I told them to "get outta my way" because THEY don't know what they're talking about.  Especially since now that I am post op and headache free, I have the proof that the Chiari had everything to do with my symptoms. :)