Needing a Doctor

I live in central Virginia I have almost all the symptoms for chiari and have no idea where to find a dr. I have been sufforing from these pressure headaches for over five years and just found out my sister whos syptoms (symptoms) are much less has this after reading here i am convinced that i also have it.She has been to UVA and seen the spialist there but he told her he was not willing to help her she would have to live with the pain I am thinking I would like to try Duke but do not know how to go about even getting a diagnoises.I am going to call the dr who diagnoised my sis but he is going to want to send me to UVA. Insurance is not a isue for me i have medicare and medicaide. but am at my breakng point with these head aches i have only had about 45 days in 5 years with out and they are getting worse. I have gone to the er and am given a shot and told to see my regular dr who says they are tension head aches .Than why will no meds help and i am not stressed so where is the tenstion.I am sorrie to vent but i am really at the end of my rope.

Any and all help would be wonderful

thank you,
Michelle

[selmaS]

Michelle,

Hi, I am sorry if u have this...it is not something I would wish on neone.

U will need to find a chiari specialist.But first get the dx ....ask ur PCP to order an MRI of ur brain w/wo contrast.Once u have the dx u can send copies of the Study and the report to a specialist near u.(m see our chiari specialist thread)Also be advised u may need to travel to find one.
I would also suggest ur sister send her info as well.


I hope u continue to post here...it's a great place for info and support!!

Godspeed
"selma"

[MommyMichelle434]

Thank you very much i am going to my pcp in the am. but am not hopeful i have been to every dr in my town and no one will even do an mri I am printing the info to take with me.My sisters was found by accident she was working for a orthopedic dr and did an MRI just playing around the DR was board. lol they are board but will just dismiss me go figure. I am just going to have to get mean with people now. and demand something be done.

thank you for your info,
In constant pain
Mommy michelle

[youngwife]

Hi!
My daughter was told by *numerous* neurosurgeons that she did not have Chiari because her herniation was very small.  They chose to treat the films, rather than the patient.

We found a doctor in North Carolina that accurately diagnosed her, and found so many things that the other doctors did not.

So, just because a doctor says that you do not have Chiari, doesn't mean you really don't.  Find a doctor that can diagnose Chiari Zero or Borderline Chiari as well as Chiari 1.

I am sorry for your constant pain,
Rebecca

[MommyMichelle434]

I saw my PCP today finaly one who is willing to do something . He is sending me thursday for MRI and on the 24th to the neurologist . I was so happy someone was willing to look in to it that i cryed like a baby. He gave me a shot of tordal and it helped with the pain but not the presser. and my eyes hurt everyday the eyes feel more and more sore.

just an update

[selmaS]

I am so glad u r getting the MRI...one step closer to a dx.
If the report comes back chiari u will need a chiari NS not a neurologist.(NS=neurosurgeon)

Also request a copy at the time of the testing...as they check u in ask the nurse for a copy on a disk and the report sent to ur home.

I hope u feel better soon! : )

"selma"