Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Surgery Question

I have a quick question and I'm not sure anyone will fit the bill but it's worth asking.  I have a 12mm herniation and a syrinx.  I'm sure I have symptoms but just don't know any different.  I get headaches a couple time a month but everything is easily managed.  I am having surgery on the 20th because of the syrinx.  I'm curious is anyone has been in a similar situation.  I'm mainly worried about waking up with a horrible headache or having a continuous headache or some other symptoms when this is not currently an issue.  I know most people go in with major, debilitating symptoms and that's not the case with me.  Anyone have any feedback?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

   It is easy to second guess our decisions...but it is not easy to stick with them....we have to believe that we are doing the right thing and not waver....that is not easy I know ...I wanted to shout "STOP" when I was wheeled into the OR....but after talking with the anesthesiologist I felt better with him as well as my NS...and I know it was a long hard road to get this far...to turn back and start over....all I could think of is why do that....so I went forward and have had no regrets.....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I got a second opinion from Chiari specialist and asked about other conditions but he said those were not present.  I am using my neurosurgeon who did my back surgery last year though because he is much closer and I am comfortable with him and he did an amazing job with the last surgery.  I went back and forth on whether to have surgery but it was my second opinion who said I really don't have a choice and it has to be done.  Just feel like I am opening Pandora's box lol
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Do you have a true Chiari specialist? And were ALL related conditions ruled out?

If you are comfortable and confident with your surgeon then think positive.....

Most times we are not aware of what symptoms we have when we are first DX'd since we adjust and accept how we feel as " normal" since we have always felt like this...it is not until symptoms flare or worsen that we find out all the symptoms or issues we have are connected.

With a syrinx it is important to have surgery to help prevent it getting larger as it can compress the spinal cord and brain stem depending where it is located.....and left untreated  it can cause perm nerve damage.

I myself did not have a syrinx but I have heard that some with a syrinx can lose sensation to feel pain in some areas so not having the same pain as others could be due to the syrinx.......my surgery was done to prevent a syrinx from forming since I did have a CSF obstruction.....

If you would like a Prayer Thread posted add your name and surgery date to the list your surgery date 2015 thread.

  Wishing you all the best.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Chiari Malformation Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease