Surgery date set

[christianirc]

I saw the new NS yesterday and he was very knowledgeable as well as very nice.  He told me that he has never had a patient who completely got rid of all their headaches and symptoms with surgery, but that I can realistically expect about 65%.  He said he never heard of anyone having the problem I have when standing up.  If I stand up (and especially reach my arms up to do something while I'm standing) I get the same headache we get when we laugh or cough, only I get it much more intense and it lasts a long time.  I also get short of breath and usually that is when I fall.  He said the surgery could help that but that he doesn't know.  Mostly all of what he said was he didn't know if surgery would help, but it's pretty obvious doing nothing isn't helping either.  

The surgery is set for 8/15.  He removes part of the skull and part of the first vertebrae.  He doesn't remove the dura or use a  patch, he just thins the dura.  He said risks of complications are low and he also said "I don't believe you would have a problem with a spinal leak."  After surgery I will be in ICU for a day and a regular room for a few days.  After that I will go to rehab to try and walk again.  I'm frightened, but I'm so glad someone is doing something and not sending me on another wild goose chase.

[selmaS]

  Hi congratulations on ur finding a Dr willing and able to help treat u to relieve ur issues....

Please post in the Surgery Date thread so we have all the dates in one location...and do ask someone to post updates on ur progress post op.

Being a little scared is normal and if u weren't I would be concerned.....try to relax....May we ask who ur NS is?

Is he/she on our list?

  "selma"

[jenniferk86]

Congrats on the surgery date friend! I will be having surgery a week before you on August 9th, so we will have to keep each other in mind and updated on our progress! Who is doing your surgery and where? what is your herniation and do you have blocked flow? how long have you been diagnosed with chiari?  prayers and thoughts are with you! :)