First Meeting with NS

[brendatis]

I have my initial meeting with my NS on Monday, the 26th.  I've done quite a bit of research on my diagnosis (mild Chiari I with SM) but I'm at a loss as to what questions I should ask him.  I know that he will probably order a full spinal MRI with and without contrast since that's what the radiologist suggested.  If anyone can suggest what I should be finding out, I sure would appreciate it!!!

Also, I know age has a lot to do with how quickly one heals.  I just turned 54.  Is there anyone out there close to my age who has had decompression surgery?  Can you tell me about your experience?  

Thanks!

[toomuchbrain]

I know your appointment is today, so I'm a little late to add this, but you can always ask later. I just thought about it this weekend.
If your doctor wants to do surgery, and you decide to go that route, an important question you want to ask is who will actually be performing your surgery. Will it be the NS you've been meeting with, his assitant, someone being taught if you're at a teaching hospital? Then you need to decide if you are comfortable with his answer, and if he will change if you're not.
Best of luck today! I hope it goes as well as it can. :)

[selmaS]

  Please keep us posted on how ur visit goes  : )

    "selma"

[brendatis]

Thanks for the list and your suggestions.  My husband is definitely going with me.  I wish he had been with me when I was originally diagnosed.  I kind of blanked out when the doctor said, " I have good news and bad news.  Which do you want first?"  An extra set of ears would have been great then.  We surely learned a lesson!

[toomuchbrain]

I agree, I try to bring my husband to all the visits I can. He can't always take off work, but he does his best to come to as many as he can.
He always remembers and describes things with me, as he often sees things/remembers things that I don't. I think the doctors find his insight helpful, as well.

[linnielou232]

I know the list that Selma gave me was so helpful when visiting the Dr. for the first time.  Make sure you have the list with you when you go, also having a health partner to go with you.  I alway's had my husband or my daughter with me because when your there and you ask question's at times my mind would go blank and they would remember a lot more than I would.  They also help describe what was going on with me.  Family member's see thing's we don't.  They also help with making yur decisions of surgery.

[selmaS]

  Hi...we have a Health Page dedicated to questions to ask the NS...take a look and see if u have  ne questions regarding the questions....and see if we can help from that point.

Here is the link to the Health Page-http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/Questions-for-a-Chiari-NS/show/1155?cid=186

   "selma"