Any WI Chiarians out there?

[Sully70]

I was diagnosed a year ago with Chiari.  I had a brain aneurysm and needed a craniotomy to clip the annie.   On top of all that I have MS.  Well, since my surgery less than 6 months ago, my brain swelled enough that now I am having major Chiari symptoms.    I saw there was someone who had a Dr. Dan Heffez as their doctor for their Chiari.  I was hoping that person could tell me about their experience with him and if they liked/trusted him.  I am taking it day by day.  I am in a catch-22 position.  Yes I am having major issues with the chiari but they are also a bit concerned opening my head again with my MS.  I just needed a bit of reassurance.  I know there is no "normal" but how long does it take to resume a semi normal life.  How long did you remain on pain medication?  Thanks much for listening to me whine a bit.  I am just tired of feeling lowsy and in pain every day so I am eager for resolution.

Sully

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

There r several members that have been to Dr Heffez in WI...Shanomomof3, n40066, and several others.

How long u r on pain meds with depend on u personally...how u tolerate pain and the medications for them.
U deff should talk this over with the Dr treating u for MS....keep in mind several do have both chiari and MS...some have been mis dx'd with MS when it was chiari.

No worries on how long ur post is or what ur concerns r, u r safe to express them here : )

We r so happy to have u join our little family here, but not happy for the reason that brought u here.

"selma"

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. In Chiari malformations, the pressure in brain increases which manifests itself as dizziness, diplopia (blurring of vision), migraine like headaches, muscle weakness, facial pain, hearing problems, and extreme fatigue. Sometimes this malformation causes dizziness while working with hands above the shoulder level. Treatment of Chiari malformation depends on the form, severity and associated symptoms. No treatment is required in asymptomatic cases other than regular monitoring. Symptomatic patients may require surgery (posterior fossa decompression surgery). The requirement and pros and cons of surgery in your case should be discussed with your doctor as he knows the severity of problem. Hope this helps.