New Diagnosis

[mommadee2015]

I was diagnosed with a CM in December of last year. I recently went and seen my NS and they recommended surgery. While a the NS office I didn't really ask a lot of questions because she old me she was going to cu open my head. Has anyone on here ever seen a NS from Royal Oak MI? I did research and they have an actual Chiari clinic but still very nervous. What was the typical amount of time it took to heal after surgery? Is the pain after decompression surgery like a headache or how would you describe It? Thanks for all your help

[papagarbear]

Hi, Welcome.
I was just diagnosed in December. I too am a Michigan resident.
I am in Saginaw, mi.
I didn't know the there was a chiari doc in Royal Oak.
Glad to hear that in case I want a second opinion.

[selmaS]

  I do not think there is an average length....Drs may use a general guideline to when you can return to certain activities and work....but it is  not something most can use....

Some head back to work in a time frame I felt was fast only for them to suffer set backs.....so even being on here for a number of yrs I  do not see a pattern or a time frame that seems to be average.

My Drs did give me exercises for my neck for 2 reasons, 1- to help prevent the muscles from getting tight 2- to also help prevent scar tissue from forming....

Being active post op can cause recovery to take longer...try to be patient and allow your body time to heal as it can take time.....

[Mel5056]

Hi there me again.  Wishing you all the best in your surgery.  I had surgery with her on July 7 2014.  God Bless.

[mommadee2015]

Than you for your welcome. I understand that every case is different I was just curious what the average length was for the pain to ease. I am going to have the hardest time with the resting part as I am very active. I have had several surgeries it seems to almost be a yearly ritual any more. Will they give me exercises to work my neck?

[mommadee2015]

Dr. Gillmer is the doctor doing my decompression. All of my doctors seem to think that all of my symptoms are related to my chiari. I have memory loss vision problems headaches dizziness and panic attacks.Thank you for your input

[Mel5056]

Hi there.  Royal oak beamont just opened up a Chiari institute in their new neuro science building.  Dr holly gilmer is the director I believe.  Yes she will usually resect the tonsils, do a laminectomy and a bony decompression.  She uses a bovine patch too.  I would rule out every other condition before surgery with her or any ns.  Too many post op issues that can result from not ruling stuff out.  It takes a long while to heal.  Doesn't mean you ant do things but you need to be mindful of what you do.  Does it hurt.,.yep but all surgery does.  Take your meds and you will be good.  Good luck

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
  
I do not recall a member mentioning a Chiari clinic in MI?....hmmm could just be my Chiari memory do take a look at our list of Drs ...if a member here has been to, ,and was treated by and liked a Dr there, they would have added them to our list....the list however is not a referral nor an endorsement for those on it....it is just  tool to help in researching Drs...a place to start.

As for surgery...if 10 people rely you will get 10 different answers as our experiences are all different...including how it felt to how long it took to heal....for the most part it can take up to 2 yrs for the nerves to heal...the incision depends on you and how you heal...and how you feel will depend on if you have any related conditions as they can affect recovery so it is best to know about them b4 surgery.

Have you had any surgery b4? Surgical pain is not like a headache....but not sure how to describe it....When I had my daughter I know I had pain, but I no longer remember the pain, I only remember the end result...same with my Chiari surgery as it will be 6 yrs this May. I was in the ICU for 2.5 days, I had issues with the pain meds making me sick....once they changed the meds I did much better....but it can be a slow process and rushing to get back to "normal" can prove to be a mistake as it can cause set backs....

Take tour time post op and rest, rest and rest some more...do exercises for your neck to prevent the muscles getting tight and scar tissue from forming and most of all listen to your body.