what if you don't have surgery?

[Munchies2012]

If u have a blockage and u don't get surgery. Can u still go on ?


The ns i saw the other day said by looking at the mri  he can basically tell there will be little or no flow behind the herniation ( back of skull behind ) but the front seems ok. He arranging a flow study and spinal mri.

So if blocked as he thinks... Can i still not have surgery and live on as normal?

[auntij2746]

Linda thank you so much for your response I needed so adult to hear your words. Have a great day! Hugs

[linnielou232]

I'm happy to hear you made the decision of having surgery, and I know and can relate to why you are nervous.  It is a difficult surgery to go into, but you have to look at the BIG picture and know that in the long run you will be better off.  For me and making the decision of having sugery was the best.
Linda :)

[auntij2746]

I am scheduled for surgery in 7 days and I am still wondering if T's the right thing.  I have gradually become more debilitated in the past year and my recup time from activity is longer and longer.  It is my dh who let's me know because sometimes I just stop doing things and don't realize it.  I have the headaches blurred vision, numbness in left fingers, fatigue, and cannot exercise at all r even go for walks. All that being said I still feel like my symptoms are mild compared to some of you who suffer much more than I do.  I do. H!ave restrict ed flow but no syrinx.
Am I reading through this post th!at I will be worse after surgery because some nerves will be affected in a negative way??  Or that some nerves are not hurting NW but will after surgery.  I decided to gave surgery to keep from getting worse and hopefully to be more active not less - I am frightened...

[jenshead]

I have not had surgery.  I don't have a 'blockage' or at least not in those words, but my CSF flow is affected.  I have found success with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.  Not everyone is so lucky with the meds, and my life is far far from normal, but I'm at a point where I can be happy.  You have to listen to your body though.  And make sure you have a good NS that will monitor your condition.

I'm happy to share any other info with you.  And since selma mentioned the age thing, I have to say I'm only 24 so I'm crossing my fingers I stay feeling good as I get older!

[Munchies2012]

I suppose ill just wait til i get worse if i do and pray that i don't worsen lol..

[Mazie1209]

I know how you feel, this is a question I continually ask! Although I do have blockage and a syrinx, I still ponder that question! Its a hard one!
Mazie :o)

[linnielou232]

I know the feeling that your having and not wanting surgery.  As Selma suggested only you know what is going on in your body and you will do what is best for you, but as far as my journey.  It took them a long time to find out I had Chari and by the time I had surgery I now have to deal with nerve damage in my mouth which I just found out nothing can be done.  I now have to watch closely what I eat so it doesn't flare up.  I didn't think I had a blockage, but some of us get to the point of not having a life.  Having surgery for me made such a difference.  You will know what is best.  Listen to your heart and it will direct you.   Just know we are here for you and wish you the best.
Linda :)

[selmaS]

  When I first came to the site I felt the same...I am not as bad as the others here, until I learned more and found out some things that were going on with me were Chiari...when I had no idea they were linked.

Like my drop attacks when I first came on, I had no idea it was bcuz of chiari....I just did  a lot of reading b4 I began posting....but I still felt like u....I am not like them....

U r a lot younger then me and it very possible u could go longer who knows....look how long I went b4 I was dx'd.....the thing is, there r so many where waiting can cause issues....I had no idea and I did struggle, I had to push to do everything and it was no life, I went to work and slept when I had off....no energy for much of nething else....I knew something was wrong but no one could figure it out.....

U have to go with ur gut and what u feel is best for u.

[Munchies2012]

He seemed to think that I wasn't very symptomatic.

Which i find that myself. As i read all the posts here and get scared thinking all those are to come to me...

I understand what Ur saying tho

[selmaS]

  It is those with the blocked CSF that can develop more issues like a syrinx, left untreated can cause perm nerve damage. Many surgeries r done to keep a syrinx from forming...and help with symptoms, but the longer a nerve is compressed the better chance u have of perm damage or paralysis.

U have to look at what symptoms u r having , and what other issues u may have in addition to this.