post surgery headaches

[Chiefette31]

My husband had Chiari Surgery back in 1998.  It all seemed to go well, he was thrilled with the headaches finally being gone, and the choking and nose bleeds.  However, he is starting to get the headaches again, really bad.  This one is lasting at least 3-4 days.  He has been choking some which worried me.  Does anyone have any ideas on relief of the headaches?  Any help would be appreciated.

[Chiefette31]

His original surgeon was Dr. Oro.  Finding out he is one of the top in his area.  He performed the surgery when he was still in Columbia, MO.  He can no longer have MRI's because a pain clinic in TX talked him in to having a nerostimulator inserted in his back for the awful arm pain.  He didn't help very much, but now it prevents him from MRI's.  Actually, he has considered the ER and if it doesn't break soon, that will be our final recourse.    Thank you for your posting.

[pamk5]

Hello and welcome.  I am so glad your husband has been symptom free for all those years.  When is the last time he had a MRI?  Was his original surgeon a Chiari specialist?  Has he been having follow up appts with a Neurosurgeon.  I would advise that he should see someone to see how things are now.  Have some tests and make sure where he stands.  There are possible things that could be happening at this point like scar tissue causing pressure at the surgery site, brain slump, etc... There is a list of docs here in the forum other members have used and liked if he does not have a doctor any longer.   As far as the headaches go ... a chiari headache is hard to get rid of.  The neurosurgeon told me that when the pain gets to 10/10 most oral meds wont work and IV/IM drugs are needed to break the cycle of pain.  If it has been going on for days maybe a trip to the ER is in order while you get an appt with a Chiari specialist.  

Keep us posted...I hope he feels better soon.

Pam