NEW CHIARI-ERS.

[AlexChiari]

I have so many questions. The main one i am worried for is the fact of memory loss. this is driving me insane though i keep thinking have these symptoms always been present? I am known for being forgetful, dizzy, ditsy and clumsy, and i cant help but worry that if i have the surgery and my memory loss goes what if that changes who i am?

Dont get me wrong this pain is eating me up and the memory loss and all of it is depressing me, but what if all the symptoms for me have always been present i just only recently started to notice and what if it changes who i am?

I am a very scared person.

[AlexChiari]

you have all helped so much on this post so thank you :) i think i do need to have the surgery but will wait for my second neurosurgery app't x

[selmaS]

  Most of us experience short term memory issues, I do not know of neone with a memory loss...I know it is confusing and scary, and the more stressed we r, the more issues u may have with memory....

I was referring to memory issues, dizziness, being clumsy .......gait and balance issues, vision issue...we all have them.

Many r scared who will this turn us into....u will always be u, albeit with a few limitations....u will not change that drastically.

Relax, and try to learn what u can....but do not let it define u.

[actressmouse]

Chronic conditions (pain, frustration with memory, etc) take a toll on us and wear away our ability to deal effectively with everyday things.  

Short term memory loss was a big issue for me pre-surgery.  I'm 3 weeks post -op now, and I can honestly say, I feel like I'm sharper and quicker in my thinking than before.  (e.g. the "old me").  I don't blame you for being scared, I was, too and that's a normal response.  Learn all you can and be your own best advocate....knowledge is power.  :)

[Viva001]

You're young enough to be whover you want to be.  :)
Growing pains hurt-- even without the Chiari. I just don't want you to be afraid--thats never good in any situation. Maybe you can replace the fear with something close to excitement?  Imagine yourself (new or old) freed from misery.

Sometimes we latch onto some obscure fear (like our hair) because of the enormity of our deformity.  Ive already forgotten what mine was.

[AlexChiari]

thats what scares me.. how i am now makes me who i am.. thank you both for your comments though.. the key to getting through this is definitely support from those who understand..!

[AlexChiari]

a bit confused by your reply lol? is this to do with memory?? x

[Viva001]

You don't have to worry about that.  
You may be different though, having a better memory & cognition.  In other words, the "real" you may emerge.  Like a butterfly.

[selmaS]

  Hi, even for those not so new chiarians this is all true and should all be on our  unofficial list of symptoms already, and u can add it to that thread so we have them all in one place so it is easy for others to locate.

[Sexybare]

My fiance thought the same. That I would go in for surgery and come out with diff personality and all, lol. They dont mess in the brain so you will be the same old you, just hopefully feelin better.