Time for a break!

[jorlex137]

Hello All!
Do you ever just want to run away from all this Chiari business?  Well of course you do!

2006 Cavernous Agnioma surgery, 2008 near fetal allergic reaction lasting days, 2009 Chiari Surgery.  I'm mentally exhausted and ready to throw in the towel for a while.

I am supposed to go to spinal mri Monday cause I've had issues with my legs and back pain.  I've heard that Chiari surgery takes a year to show it's effects.  So I am thinking that is what I'm going to do.  Live with it and avoid the dr. offices!  

I need a break mentally, physically and financially!  

Am I posing a risk at all is my only concern?  

[selmaS]

Jen, I pray u feel better soon....

I am sure the cold is playing a part in how u r feeling...and just bcuz u had PFD doesn't mean the MRI may find a related issue....I know we all hope and pray that the PFD will be "thee" answer to all our issues, but sometimes it is not.

Are u on  vitamin and mineral supplements?....it can help as our immune system goes haywire after surgery.....

And keep in mind the anti inflammatory foods : )

hang in there : )

"selma"

[jorlex137]

I can't express how happy and blessed I feel to have fellow Chiaris simply say "I understand"!  
How can our family fully understand our frustrations?  

Well my mind was made up to blow off the spinal mri as I can't see what good it will do, even if they find something, surgery has already been done!

BUT, woke this morning in a lot of pain!  I've been fighting a cold and all the coughing has made things very difficult today!  I can't keep missing work each time I'm in pain.  

I think a new route for me is some extra faith and strength.  Something has to give right!  

[*Stormy*]

Yeah Jen I hear you too!! I go through that cycle over and over again, I decide to ignore it for awhile and then it rears it's ugly head and I have to deal with it...then I get so frustrated I decide to ignore it again...

I agree, get the MRI and if they say everything is ok then maybe try to take a mental break for awhile. If anything, it will give you the strength to deal with things again. I know that works for me, it I get really down about it, I try and do things to keep my mind off it and then I pick myself back up again. I did this so much when I was trying to get dx and I was extremely disappointed post op when I realized that it didn't stop there. What can we do? We can't let Chiari win, so we have to keep on fighting for ourselves...but everyone needs a break so I think you are doing the right thing.

Take care and like Wolf said...you are never alone with us here :)

Carolyn

[ChiariWolf]

You Betcha Jen!!! I feel you all the way through with that one. Perhaps many of us do, but much as selma stated above, whenever I've tried to back off and just live a normal life... I pay for it.

I do agree also in the sense that sometimes we need to check ourselves so to speak. Check ourselves as with something that effects our entire life such as chiari, it is easy to be single minded which is not good for our emotional well being. With that in mind I'd agree with selma, perhaps get the MRI, then if you still feel the same give yourself a 'cautious' break. You can't forget about the chiari all together or your body will tell and that is less fun than dealing with it day to day if you know what I mean.

Either way, whatever you decide, just know we are here for you. Kind of a long reach through this electronic forum, but sometimes just knowing someone can understand how you feel can help you to find that plateau again. We each have that spot where we can mentally/emotionally balance with just a bit of help. That is what we are here for....

Put a smile into your heart and say to yourself outloud "I, Jen, am well worth taking care of no matter the cost. I Love myself." If you believe yourself when hearing those words then, yes, it's probably time for a mental break for a few days. If you don't then come on back here and spill your guts. This Chiari thing takes the very soul out of the best of us at times.

Take Care,
Wolf

[selmaS]

HI Jen...I know just how u feel...and it can take up to 2 yrs b4 u r done healing....I was thinking of doing the same...seems whenever I do that I have a flare up of symptoms.

I agree we need to take a step back now and then to gain perspective...and plain just relax......y don't u wait until u have ur MRI's and get the results to see ur next step?

"selma"