EVERYONE

[JewelsIbarra]

Has anyone ever heard of Dr. David F. Jimenez in San Antonio, Texas? He is the head of the Nuerosurgery for Adult/Pediatrics. He is scheduled to do my decompression in about 4 weeks, but before that is done I need some info if anyone has it.  Any stories of what kind of surgeon he is would be greatly appreciated. He stated to me he has done 100's of these types of surgeries but I am looking for anyone who has heard of or dealt with this "Super Surgeon" as Good Morning America described him once. I humbly ask to please help.

Thanks,
Julie

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am so happy for u that u found a Dr that not only listened to u, but also acknowledged what was going on with u and has offered treatment.

Keep in mind surgery is not a cure, only a means to restore CSF flow and slow progression.

Make sure u know what all they plan to do during surgery and that all related conditions like Ehlers-Danlos were ruled out as they can affect how u feel and heal post op.

Do keep us posted as surgery is closer and post in the surgery date thread so we can post a prayer thread for u/.

[cclawson]

I am a 55 year old female  I was diagnosed with chiari l two months ago. My symptoms started showing up in my late 20's doctor after doctor would tell me they could find nothing wrong I was even told by a Dr. that Ms. Clawson you just don't want to work.After years of frustration, pain,numbness,anxiety,heart palpitations,memory problems,confusion I finally found Dr.David Jimenez,with the same MRI that Scott &white had he sat with me and explained to me why I was feeling all the things that I was feeling by pointing it out on the MRI. He is very knowledgeable about Chiari.After all these years here is a Dr.that knows what's wrong with me and actually believes that I have all these symptoms. I am scheduled to have surgery on March4th. I must tell you that this Dr. actually listened to me. After 20 plus years of  dealing with or at  least trying to maintain I am ready for the surgery and look toward to the results I am so excited that I may be able to go thru the rest of my life as a normal person.I will post again after the surgery Dr.Jimenez will perform on me. As for me I am very pleased with the way Dr.Jimenez handled me, he seems to be a very compassionate and understanding Dr.

[selmaS]

  Do use the list of Drs on here too to research Drs, they may not be close to home, but it is also not an all inclusive list either, only a list from members here of Drs they went to and liked...so not all may be true Chiari specialists so this list is not a referral either.
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=186

U r so right, having the right Dr is key, u want one well experienced with chiari not one that can do them.....and one that knows that related conditions should be ruled out b4 surgery is considered...as they can affect how he heals and feels post op if that is the course of action.

[gibsontx5]

Thank you! I did not see the date on the OP, had just been looking for info on this doc. This diagnosis is tough on my son, who is an avid HS athlete. I'm just relieved he doesn't have a brain tumor. I had successful spine surgery 2 years ago after 5 years of pain, so know that choosing the right doctor is very important. From what I have read, it seems important to choose someone who has done a lot of chiari surgeries if surgery is being considered. There is an excellent neurosurgeon in my spine doctor's practice, but he specializes in other conditions. But I plan on asking for a name from him as well.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Thanks for sharing that info, this is an older thread...and I usually will not know all the Drs people meet, but I am now familiar with this name as it was a few yrs ago.

But deff look forward to ur input on this Dr as it will help others : )
I wish u and ur DS all the best with the Dr visit.

[gibsontx5]

He is Chairman and a Professor of the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Health Science Center at San Antonio. Here is his department's page of information about Chiari Malformation and a brief video of Dr. Jiminez explaining the condition and surgery.
http://neurosurgery.uthscsa.edu/display_patients.php?ps_id=25&pg=

There is a detailed description on the page of they most common types of surgery they perform for Chiari Malformation. I have looked him up on the State's website and there is no history of medical malpractice against him. Board certified in neurosurgery since 1995 with a secondary specialty in pediatric neurosurgery. Chosen by US News & World Report as one of their top doctors for 2012.

I researched him (I'm a librarian) after my 17 year old was recently diagnosed with Chiari after experiencing a couple months of debilitating headaches and nausea. We are going to have a consult with him, and I will share that information.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the forum...I do not know ne thing about this dr.....we have had many looking for a chiari specialist in TX and have not been able to find one....

It looks like u r the first to give us a  name.U may want to add his name to our chiari specialists thread.

All NS can do chiari decompressions, but the specialists that focus their practice on it r hard to find.

Please if u do not mind, give us more info on ur chiari journey.

"selma"