Finally seen a Neurologist

[hairsarestylin28]

allright so I went to see a neurologist this morning. The appointment was good and the doctor was friendly. He didnt really give me the answers I was looking for though. He said hes going to order a mri of my spine. He said we will watch it and see if it progresses,but that he doesnt think surgery is something we should rush into. he says that surgery is pretty major and would be the next option if my chiari symptoms get worse. So I guess its just a matter of managing life with my symptoms for now. some days I feel terrific, some days I feel like I got hit by a mack truck.
anyone have thoughts or advice? How do you mange your chiari?
Thanks!!

[linnielou232]

It sound's to me you found a good doctor, but your going to want a second oppion eventually.  I totally agree to hold off with surgery as long as possible.  I had to have surgery because I was in so much pain I couldn't live life any more.  When it get's to this point you will have no choice in the matter so having the doctor you want a head of time would be good.  I would appreciate each good day and enjoy them and as Selma said it takes planning ahead.  I find now that if I want to go do the simplest thing's I have to be prepared for a rest afterward other wise I suffer for it.  I also have a very,, very protective husband which I am very blessed to have.  I have a really hard time with the after affect's of bending over.  Just for a minute.  So I alway's have my husband behind me saying. "Don't bend over".  It's a simple thing in life that is so natural I tend to forget then like I said I suffer for it.  Apprecitate each day, and please don't over lift, bend or pull anything other wise you will make you symptoms worse.  You in my chiarian prayer's.

[selmaS]

  Chiari symptoms do cycle so it is normal for u to have good and bad days...and to learn what u can and can not do.

I learned that I had to rest up in order to do some things that took more energy...a long day away from home...where more walking was in order....

and to be able to rest up a day or so after ....so planning is important.

  The  waiting is not a bad thing, and u r going for more MRI's so that is all good...a CINE MRI is something u want as well as being checked for ehlers-danlos....tethered cord....vitamin deficiencies....

Ur Dr is also right, the surgery is major surgery and u do not want to rush into it...u may want to check with a true chiari specialist and compare what they suggest.

    Make sure when u go for the MRI's u ask for copies of the MRI and the reports.

   keep us posted: )

   "selma"