Lots of questions...

[allaboutmom]

OK - I know no two people have the same symptoms as far as Chiari is concerned, but I thought I'd ask the questions I keep coming up with and see what you all thought.

First, does anyone find that diet is a factor with how you feel?  If so, what type of diet do you follow - or what types of food do you avoid?

Second, does anyone use a special pillow to help them sleep better?  I have a horrible time sleeping.  I am exhausted at night, but once I get into bed I just cannot fall asleep.

Third, I feel like I am suffering from horrible memory problems.  I use to think it was "mommy brain", but now I think it is Chiari related.  Does this ever get better?  I have three young kids and I cannot imagine how bad this might be by the time they are teenagers!  ; )

Fourth, I have NO idea if this is Chiari related, but I am constantly thirsty (and therefor, have to go to the bathroom often.)  I have been tested for diabetes (as it runs in my family), but I do not have it.  Just wondering if that might be another condition or just another lovely oddity I have!

I feel like there is more, but my "mommy/chiari brain" can't think of it!

Thanks!
Christine

[selmaS]

    

    Thanks that is very helpful : )

    and a good price too.

[allaboutmom]

Sorry - was out all day and just saw the messages.  The pillow is called "sensorPEDIC classic conventional memory fom bed pillow".  What I like about it is that it is a flat pillow - it doesn't have that curve for the neck - that type of pillow was horrible for my neck.  My head and neck have felt so good the past two nights using this pillow.  The pillow was $19.99 at Burlington.  

Hope this helps!

[taytaymae]

Id love to know the make of the pillow as well. It sounds great! I use a folded blanket it seems to definetly make sleeping for comfy. I have 2 pillows under my head and i hold the blanket to my chest.

[selmaS]

May I ask what the make of the pillow is,,,,since this is working so well for u, we have a Burlington's near me, I may send my DH over for one : )

"selma"

[allaboutmom]

I found the pillow at Burlington Coat Factory!  I just happened to be near the store (I don't know why, but I never go in there) and it hit me to just check in and see what they had.  Seond night of really good sleep!  Sleep, such a lovely thing!

[selmaS]

I was the same in reading about it too, I swore up and down it was not me, but it is....I always was slow to heal and bruised easy....but never even tried to see if I could bend my joints around....and I think it is bcuz my muscles were very tight...but, I do have the loose joints.

So glad u found a pillow...where did u find it?....

Good sleep is something we all need : )

"selma"

[allaboutmom]

Oh, I did get a new pillow last night and I had a wonderful sleep!!  Yea!

[allaboutmom]

Selma,

I have not been tested for EDS and from what I read of it, I don't believe I have it, but I'll ask the doctor when I see him next.  I'm seeing a neurosurgeon on Friday.  I hope to get so many of my questions answered, although you all have done  great job at that for me!

I'll keep you posted about the appointment!  Thanks for your support!

Christine

[jennylynch]

I agree i blamed mine on mommy brain until three weeks ago when i found out that i was actually able to pin point the reason i forgot EVERYTHING. half the time i cant tell you how old i am.
as for the drinking i have the same thing some days i feel like i fish and cant get enough to drink.. i too was tested for diabetes and i was fine so idk why its like that.

[selmaS]

Not sure for most of us, but for me I also have Ehlers-Danlos and hernias are a good indication and sign of EDS...which a Hiatal hernia is one...which I have which feeds the GERD monkey....plus, chiari affects our brain stem which is the control center for our body....so it can affect just about nething.

Were u ever checked for EDS?

"selma"

[allaboutmom]

Selma,

Thank you, thank you.  It feels so good to know I'm not alone in this.  Your message hit another note with me  - I have esophagitis.  I was diagnosed three years ago, before I was diagnosed with Chiari.  I never would have put the two together.  Do you have any idea how they are related?  So, so interesting!

Christine

[selmaS]

HI Christine...all ur questions r good ones and u r  right not everyone will have the same symptoms or have then in the same degree as someone else.

But, the chiari fog, memory issues is chiari...it comes and goes....some days I just can not think of the simplest of things and trip over every word or spelling...other days I am ok....

The thirst...get ur thyroid tested...1...2....ask to have ur lumbar spine MRI'd and look for the possibility of tethered cord as it can affect the bladder as well as a syrinx.....so do get checked for these issues.

Sleep issues r chiari as well...as long as u r not waking gasping for breath u at least r not dealing with sleep apnea, but u may want to be checked.

A good pillow is key...as well as routine....I found a good pillow at Target for 9.99...it is called a reshapeable pillow...it is great ....

Diet...well many of  us do deal with GERD and acid reflux so it has to be a consideration as it will affect how we feel....I follow a diet for those with GERD to help avoid a flare up of symptoms.

And there r some foods that can help u sleep better ...and some that can keep u awake, and even some that help with inflammation...we have a list on that one in the Health Pages which can be helpful with HA's.
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=186

Hope this helps : )

"selma"