Hi and welcome to the Chiari/Syringomyelia forum.
The surgery that STL5 had may be diff from what ur Dr is suggesting...did they say if u have chiari?...and would suggest PFD or a shunt?
How long the syrinx compresses the nerves will depend on how recovery goes....and if ne perm damage occurred.
With syringomyelia, it is the same as chiari in that u want a NS that is well experienced with the condition and treatments.
"selma"
Thank you for responding that sounds encouraging. At the moment I can't even make a fist I can't button or zip my own clothing. I can't straighten my hand either I know it could be worse, I am taking one day at a time. Appt with neurologist today and nuerosurgeon on wed. I hope wednesday is okay it was supposed to have been Friday but was rescheduled. wish me luck :)
I have limited use of my right hand even after decompression surgery which resulted in my syrinx shrinking. Physical therapy does help overall. It is better since I did get to the point where even writing was extremely difficult. So to answer your question surgery did improve use of my hand but it is not back to normal and probably never will be.