Hi...we do have a Chiari forum here on MedHelp...and u may want to join us there : )
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chiari-Malformation/show/257?camp=msc
I am also a Chiarian and post op since 2009 and do not could not work let alone 40 hrs a week.....
U may need to adjust what u do.
Please join the Chiari forum
"selma"
I see they moved ur post to the Chiari forum. Welcome : )
Herniated disks could cause a CSF obstruction, I am dealing with this right now too.....
I really do not know how u go to work 40 hrs a week....
Outside of the possibility that the disks r the only issue, there could be other reasons going on....when u had ur MRI was it of just the spine, or have u had a recent brain MRI?
"selma"
I have had several CT n MRI post op. However; I was thinkn same thg. I called Med Rec n they said it's been a year since last one.
I had to have 3 surgeries! 2 emergency surgeries. Spinal fluid started squirting outbox my head through my staples. Then at my check up visit they immediately sent me fir another CT n leakage again inside n so I was headed down for 3rd surgery. Oh...went blind as well for several weeks! People here where I live have never heard of Chiari before so it's very hard for ne one to know what I went through n am still battling. But God is good!!! :)
CSF leaks r not uncommon...what type of dura patch did they use?
Sometimes it is the type of patch......
Have u ever been tested for Ehlers-Danlos?...it could explain the disk issues and the CSF leaks if it was a rejection to ur patch.
I also wonder if ur skin was tearing where u had the staples...those with EDS should not have staples....
Sorry I am throwing so much at u...but it is so diff to know, and it is good to check it all out.
"selma"
Not site on patch. They took out new way of decompression n started all over on third surgery. I was then cut from top of head down to c-spine. I do know I have an upside down triangular patch sewn in. They shaved both sides of my skull n back part of first vertebrae, moved a muscle n heated under brain n order to place back n skull. I was very ill and n bed for 3 months.
There r says I feel like my eyeballs r go n to pop out of my head or my head is go n to explode! Especially when a front comes n. Migraines usually happen.
Thgs could b worse. :)
Sorry I do not understand what type of decompression u had?
"selma"
Selma ~
How do u place a pic on ur profile?
Chiari Malformation Decompression
I really thought post op third surgery I was leaving this world. I could c my stats n they were not good. Pain was EXCRUCIATING!!! When I closed my eyes they would say breathe, ur not breathing. It was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!! :"""(
There r diff types of decompression surgery for chiari....this is y I wanted to know if u had a dura patch, and if so what type.
Unfortunately Chiari is life altering and surgery is not a cure.
"selma"
I'm really not sure on type of patch name. I just know he cut the dura lining n sewed n an upside down triangular patch to allow room for brain. Surgery took hours n hours.
I see u had Dr Tew...he is very well respected..and I would suggest u call and ask his office for a surgical report..this tells u exactly what was done during surgery and what type of patch...and type of surgery was done.....
Many times there r "surprises" once they r inside and have to repair more or less then originally planned.
Types of dura patches are bovine, synthetic , cadaver and ur own skin.
There are also diff types of decompression. And the type of surgery can play a role in how u recover.
Find out more info
It is possible that u had some perm nerve damage since u had to have 3 surgeries....
All NS's do these a little diff then each other...so, it is best u get more info from ur Dr.
"selma"