It has been a while...I am back with a +1 on the way

[redkim]

Since I have posted.  I lurk every so often.  I was Dxed in 2004 with Chiari, told it was incidental, 9mm herniation (also 2cm pineal cyst - asymptomatic).  After numerous visits for various complaints I was told I was depressed, that is was “all in my head”.  This was in 2008.  After that I started to do my own research on Chiari and found a very good NS.  In Jan 2009 I had surgery and consider it successful.  While my symptoms didn’t completely go away, I was a new person.  Before I was sick 75% of the time and now every so often…after I was highly functional.

Well, now I am pregnant, 14 weeks (very excited).  I was worried about getting pregnant, saw a geneticist, and have done some research.  So I know (to answer my won question) that sometimes symptoms can get worse while pregnant.  Which is why I am here today.  I told my husband that when I don’t feel well it’s eerily similar to how I felt before decompression.  Here I am today with a terrible headache (base of skull is numb) and general body weakness and pain around the neck/shoulder area.  No slurred speech yet.  I find if I can sleep 10+ hours and don’t overdo it with activities I feel okay.  But alas, life happens and there is work and errands, etc.  I guess I am looking for reassurance that while the symptoms have returned there is a high chance they will go away after the birth of my child.

Also, my husband and I keep going in circles on the birth.  I am torn between trying for a natural birth (I have hip problems and had surgery on the right side and am left with limit range of motion and pain so this too is a big concern), which is my husband’s preference – although he wants me to do what is best for me (he says he thinks I will opt for the c-section out of fear).  I want to tell him to not talk to me about it anymore, I will decide after I do research and I am ready to.  I am torn on C-section, which I think requires General Anesthesia (because I still can’t have an epidural…?  Which means not getting to see my child born.  I read one study that said if you have a natural birth to have an epidural as it helps with how much we strain pushing.  I also read another reports that advise against it.

What are your experiences?  Thanks in advance.

[baccalynnwv]

Congrats. I have no advice, but have said a little prayer for you and your family!

[Elisaandbucky]

What a joyous time for you - childbirth is a beautiful event. The day my son was born was the happiest day of my life. However, at the time of my pregnancy, my Chiari was still unknown.

I hope you are finished with school, as Selma asked. The best thing to do for yourself now is to rest often with your feet elevated and get lots of sleep at night. I hope you're able to manage your stress level, as you have some big things to think about. I hope you feel comfortable with your doctors' directions. Any kind of birth is a special event. I can certainly understand wanting to see your baby born. I hope you can do it the way you desire. Check back to report on your status.

[selmaS]

  Hi Kim and Congratulations!!!!
  
Did you finish your classes?....and do you still ice skate and tide motorcycles?...lol...

I am so sorry you are having some of the pre surgical symptoms returning with your pregnancy....

As for missing the birth with a C-Section, that just is not so....not sure why you can not have an epidural....

  When I had my DD they wanted to do a C-Section....as it was taking a long time for her to move down the birth canal....and I was in hard labor...and I also was not dilated enuff...they decided to do an epidural....( I had no idea I had Chiari )

and I did a lot of pushing...regardless of what they may say it helps with, the only thing was I could not feel the contractions....

Did you have EDS ruled out?.....

[redkim]

Yes.  I have had two.  One for the Chiari surgery and the other for FAI hip surgery.  It will suck to miss my child being born though.  But my big thing is being health so I can take care of my baby.  

[kristy12]

You once had a general anesthesia without complication. So there is a very little risk. In all other configuration anything can happen.  

[redkim]

I am leaning that way.  My doctor emailed me and said both my NS and orthopedic doctor said vaginal delivery would be okay.  I really like my NS, don't trust the opinion of the Ortho so much...however, we have all run into doctors who have given us bad advice or glossed over our concerns.  So I am still unsure.

[kristy12]

When it comes to long term outcomes I would always prefer common sense over emotions, which means there is no better option than c-section + general anesthesia.