Just diagnosed 12 year old

[Lhaby]

My son was rushed by Airlife to the nearest hospital, where he spent 3 days and underwent numerous tests.  He was diagnosed with Chiari and has 18mm tonsils.  Neurosurgeon wants to perform surgery and says he should only miss 2 weeks of school.  Is that really true?  I am looking for any advice that anybody can offer.

[selmaS]

  WOW u know others that have knowledge of Chiari....that amazes me as I found others here, and still do not know neone here where I live with it....

So glad u have experienced people around u not only to help with Drs but support as well.

I hope u continue  to update us <3

[Lhaby]

Thanks for responding.  My son experienced highBP 155/122 in the school nurse's office with complaints of dizziness, blurry vision, and loss of feeling and sensation on the right side of his body.  Airlife was called because they were concerned he was having a stroke.  When all tests showed now stroke, they did find the Chiari and surgery is recommended.  They told us it was probably brought on by the stress he was exerting in his athletics class while performing weight training.

So, we are worried, and looking for all advice.  We are definitaley getting a second opinion.  He is old enough to worry and wants the surgery to be performed during spring break.  We were thinking of waiting till summer.  

It helps finding out that in our small community many either know of someone who has Chiari or has a family member that has had surgery.

[frankie_rush]

I agree with all of them and specially AmyFS.  Two weeks is not enough time , you need to check to see if he has done any surgeries for Chiara.  Cause I was told to expect at least two months to feel like doing anything.  It will take time for everything to heal and the nerves to readjust back.  My prayers are with you and your son, may god hold you both and your family close.

[AmyFS]

I agree with the others, too- 2 weeks is not accurate at all.  I spent the better part of the first week in the hospital after surgery. I wan't even allowed to wash my hair for 2 weeks!
You should make sure that this neurosurgeon specializes in Chiari or at least see how many of the surgeries he has done.  I was amazed to learn (it is true!!!) that even some of the most brilliant, decorated neurosurgeons really don't treat this that often and therefore may not be the best ones to perform it.  If time allows, check out the possibility of seeing a Chiari specialist.  It will be worth it.  This is a big deal and you need to make sure that you make the best choices you can.
Read through the posts on this forum- you will find alot of support, information and advice.
Keep the faith! It is an important tool here :)
We've been down this road and although it seems overwhelming, you do get through it.  Your family is in my prayers.

[linnielou232]

So sorry to hear you had to find this out in such a dramatic way,  but I agree with Selma.  His recovery will be longer than 2 wks.  Him being young will help, but you will also want to make sure he doesn't start avtivities to soon which could cause set backs.  Wishing you the best in this journey with him, and know your not alone and we are here for you.
Linda :)

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

NOOOOOOOOOOO
Recovery from this surgery can be several months to be able to get around, and up to 2 yrs for the nerves to heal completely...not to say it will be yrs to go back to school, but that is not reasonable at all.
May I inquire as to what his symptoms were that he was airlifted?