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1435895 tn?1304291241

Surgery recommended

Hey all! Well today I had my appt with NS to go over my many many test results.  Also, had to go to swallowing docs for some tests, which of course led to more tests.  I do have a partial blockage of CSF fluid, 8 mm herniation, and my brain stem is being partially compressed on the mri.  He did say that he would leave the timing up to me unless the results from the swallowing docs make it more urgent.  I had a FEES? I think is what it was called.  It looks as though the motility in the esophagus is not pushing the food down all the time, so more than like Chiari related???

Ok my questions:  He has done about 100 decompressions and only 1 complication (hydrocephalus).  He said after the surgery you are cured?  He also said that given time Chiari will correct itself as the brain shrinks?? Thats alot of shrinking!! I dont like feeling as though I am choosing brain surgery as I would breast augmentation or lipo.  What are the chances if left alone this will not progress and will hang right where it is?  If left as it is will it cause worse symptoms with nerve damage.(I already have numbness in my face, my hands falling asleep) happily for the last few days the headaches are much better.  I am really trying to get thru the holidays before I do anything.  Should I get another opinion in this time? He has practiced alot of years and is Head of NS at a major teaching hospital and is listed on some other list as treating Chiari patients.  However, that is not all he does.  Some of the above comments concern me?

Thanks for your input!!
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1435895 tn?1304291241
Well this is kind of the feeling I got, especially when he told me that "my pain level wouldnt be bad enough for a pcn pump after surgery".  I just think everyone has a diff pain tolerance and mine pretty much *****.  A very broad statement to be made by any NS. I did contact Dr Rosner's office again today and the medical board is holding him up but they believe he will be back to seeing patients this week, hopefully.  I am on that list!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'd run about as far away from this dr as I could. He obviously doesn't understand Chiari.

1. There is no cure! Surgery just makes a little more room for the brain and hopefully restores CSF flow. It is a way to delay progression. Chance are that with successful decompression, symptoms will still eventually get worse again as you age.

2.  Brains don't shrink. Yes, your brain may settle a bit, change position a little since there will be more room, but it won't ever shrink.

3.  100 surgeries is not that many. He's obviously familiar with the surgery, but he won't be up to date on newer surgical options. I'd also check into that number. With how he's padding the truth about ir being a cure, etc, he's likely padding numbers too.

Find a different neurosurgeon, preferably one who doesn't lie to you or if it wasn't intentional, actually knows about Chiari and the lifelong implications of the condition. Good luck!
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1435895 tn?1304291241
thanks guys!! and good luck with your surgery Thieb I will be praying for you!
Helpful - 0
997898 tn?1303734864
100 surgerys does not a specialist make!!!  there is no cure for chiari!!!!  chiari does not shrink!!!  we have the surgery to stop the progression of the symptoms caused by the chiari!  
girl....i don't know about this guy....i think you should keep looking for another dr.  i'm sorry, but that's my opinion.

elizabeth
Helpful - 0
1422823 tn?1287679280
I had a NS tell me 8 or so years ago that my herniation would shrink. Here I am 8 years later with a syrinx and nerve damage. I have not had the surgery yet (its this thursday). I am hoping some of my symptoms go away. Also from what I understand the surgery is not a cure, its just a means to stop the progression. I saw many NS's over the years and it has taken me years to find someone who I feel comfortable with.  

Good luck to you
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