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939586 tn?1245242057

any firefighters with chiari I?

Are there any firefighters out here struggling with this diagnosis? I have just recently received this diagnosis and am gathering as much info as I can.
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1755089 tn?1376053555
Thank you for the list. It very usefull. I'm going to show it to my in-laws ;-) .
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER


   A health page was made  from this list u can find it using the Health Page link top right of this page or follow this link : )

  It is titled  Activities to avoid with Chiari and Syringomyelia

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Activities-to-avoid-with-Chiari-and-Syringomyelia/show/986?cid=186
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1547116 tn?1315826761
Bumping this up for the awesome list SelmaS put on here. Thanks.
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939586 tn?1245242057
OUCH!  That is straight, honest and appriciated  (can't ever spell that one right :-) ) That just plain *****!!!!!  Guess I have some serious thinking to do....  I have found many sites now that go over chiari malformations and the symptoms. But none seem to discuss the dangers of simple things like tripping and falling, like I did the other day..OMG what a terrible headache I had...I was ready to goto the ER! Crying on the bathroom floor, nausea, ect....   but......... What a relief...glad to know it is probably not really "fibromyalgia" since my early 20's more than likely.... it brought tears to my eyes as I read the symptom list. I thought "at least I know now that it is not all in my head....it's been creeping out...THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!!"
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER
HI...Shane has pretty much covered what I could tell u.The biggest problem is u may be getting mis information bcuz u r not seeing a chiari specialist. There r way too many NS and NL that did not keep up on chiari info since med school and it's treatment has changed over the last few yrs.
Below is a short list from the web.....I hope it helps.
******************************************************************************************************
Shortest list- Reduce/eliminate neck stress in daily activities to include sleeping.

Short list

1. Wear highly cushioned, support shoes to reduce neck, cerebellum pounding. Commercial cross-trainer sneakers are recommended - New Balance, Nike, Reebok etc.- test before buying.

2. Avoid neck-stressing activities (football, soccer, basketball, wave pools, diving, tennis, roller coasters, other amusement park rides of high G forces, lifting in excess of 15 lb, backpacking, falling asleep in chairs, extended reading with head bent etc.)

3. Get plenty of rest and sleep (eight hr minimum). Pillows and sleep position are very important. Soft, small pillows with fiberfill are very good for this i.e. little or no"push" back. (see expanded list below for other comments about pillows). Most Chiarians are side-sensitive. Use a large pillow(s) etc. to prevent rollover onto affected side. Elevate your bed at the head 4-6 inches by inserting old telephone books, bricks, boards or blocks under the front frame legs.  Have a strong relative or friend assist you.  If possible, do the same when staying at a hotel/motel or at the home of relatives."  Stop eating and drinking three to four hours before bedtime to reduce the need to get up at night.

4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, aspirin and/or high salt diet if tinnitus is a major symptom or any of these dietary items increase other symptoms.

5. Stay in excellent physical condition via walking, exercise bikes and other non-neck stressing activities - STAY LEAN

6. Sit in soft recliners with high backs and foot rests.

7. Support reading material with elbows on your knees/thighs or chair arms. Read "straight" ahead. Use book holders or music stands. Look at computer monitors straight ahead.

8. Drive if you have to but use wide vision mirrors and get seats with high backs. -Take your time and limit your driving to short distances at slow speed preferably during the day. Some Chiarians find orthopedic collars help reduce neck stress when riding in a car etc. Some do not.

9. Relax and avoid stress and noise. Don't tighten the neck muscles. Stay "cool".

10. Put soft cold compresses on the neck/ brain joint area or on the top of your head for about an hour while lying down (these are soft compresses). Some Chiarians prefer warm compresses.

11. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided. Eat plenty of roughage and eat at regular times. Drinking herbal tea containing senna may help give pain-free relief from constipation.

12. Heavy jewelry, scarves, ties, tight collars, bras, rings, bracelets and watches might feel uncomfortable. Adopt a casual life style and don't wear them.

13. Try to avoid waiting in lines where stutter stepping is involved. Uneven surfaces or checkered designs in floors maybe difficult to walk on. Focusing on an object in front of your or closing one eye may help when dizziness hits.

14. Do crossword puzzles to assist short- term memory retention. Ditto for playing cards.

15. Take calcium supplements to assist in bone enhancement especially after surgery. Be very cautious using vitamins and supplements- most have not been thoroughly tested for primary and side effects. As always, check with your doctor first.

16. TENS machines may help ACM/SM patients, especially those with spasticity (cervical, thoracic, lumbar muscles) and spinal pain. TENS units also can help with headaches. You can buy one for use at home. As always, check with your doctor first.

17. Avoid cervical traction.

18. Lumbar punctures, spinal taps or epidurals can be dangerous for Chiarians. Always ask your doctor and insist they review the literature on these procedures with respect to increasing herniation.

19. Brushing teeth or gargling can result in sneezing. Minimize head motion during brushing and not bending the neck when gargling.

20. Avoid chiropractor adjustment. Most chiropractors have no experience in treating ACM's. One member's herniation significantly increased after cervical adjustment. "That is because I herniated from 3-4 mm to 15-20 mm in 8 months with this treatment (documented on MRIs)".

21. Review daily movements to include cooking and cleaning. Eliminate as much neck stress as possible. See the items on the expanded list below for some helpful hints.

22. Use the special tray that most beauty shops have for washing hair for people who cannot lean back on blunt sink rims. Chiarians should never lean back on the edges of sinks.

Helpful - 0
555358 tn?1292532061
Well, if you are wondering about being a Firefighter with Chiari, I would suggest it's not a good idea.

Carrying large loads is a no-no. Straining can cause the herniation to grow as well as the CSF flow to become blocked or even rupture - you have a weakened nervous system. This means brain AND spinal column.

Also, a common symptom of Chiari is breathing problems. You may have issues with wearing the oxygen masks or being around too much smoke.

Another issue is dizziness/vertigo - heights would be a big problem.

I know that those reasons aren't what you want to hear, but you asked for a straight answer. Unless you can get into a desk job, I doubt that you'll be allowed to stay on - you may be able to pass the physical now, but eventually you won't and by doing too strenous work, you can seriously damage your own health.

Helpful - 0
939586 tn?1245242057
That is one of the reasons I am here! I don't understand why!?! and no one can seem to give me a straight and honest answer why I need to choose another line of work. I love my career!! I have worked so hard to get here....I am a petite female and well, you can imagine, it is a male dominant profession.   I just don't understand...and can't find any info WHY????
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555358 tn?1292532061
My Grandfather was, does that count? :D
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am sorry to say when u finally see a chiari specialist he/she will tell u this is not the best career choice for u.

I am not aware that ne of the members here r firemen, but if there r I am sure they will comment.

I do hope u still will consider posting ur questions and concerns....this is a great support and info site.

"selma"
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