Is this something to be concerned about?

[jll88]

In the last 3 days I've had what I consider a quick progression in symptoms and it's worrying me.  Does this sound normal for people with Chiari?

For a while I've had this weird sensation when I turn my head to the right (like looking over your shoulder to check blind spots when driving).  It causes my brain to feel cloudy and my occupational therapist said it may be cutting off circulation in some way.  But on Tuesday, just turning my head directly to the right (not even over my shoulder) started causing jaw pain and a feeling up the side of my face like it's about to go numb, along with lingering neck pain.  Then yesterday that lingering pain turned into shooting pains down my shoulders and into my arm, and later all the way down into my hand and the right side of my tongue.  Today, it does all of the above and goes up the side of my head.  

I may just call my Dr and see if he wants to see me sooner - I do have an appointment next Thursday, but I am curious what your experiences have told you about these kind of pains.

Thanks

[ChiariWolf]

:-\ Unfortunately many of us here do understand the situation and the emotional fears you feel about the situation. And yes, I'd agree, totally RIDICULOUS even a bit retarded but those are the hoops we've been given so we just have to keep jumping through em for now.
So ranting? Nah, just expressing what is on your chest to others who 'can' understand what you are feeling.  For the rest of us, well we just hope and pray that our words in this black and white impersonal forum can reach out and give you a hug.

Hang in there, try, as hard as it is, not to let this all get your dander up as that will only worsen the symptoms. As Carolyn says, do be an advocate, NO is an answer that we can not accept.

Wolf

[*Stormy*]

I understand...and please feel free to rant!!!

My experience was much the same...I was left to progress for 6 months b4 anyone did anything about it and I do blame a lot of my pain now (post op) on the damage that was done during that period. So what I am saying, is keep pushing them and don't give up no matter how they make you feel. I should have pushed hard in hindsight but it was more difficult for me b/c I didn't even have a dx...

Don't take "NO" for an answer....push for those tests!!
Carolyn

[jll88]

So I had called the Dr on Friday morning and didn't get a call back.  I called them this morning and I guess my progression of symptoms in 3 days wasn't as scary to them as it was to me!  They put me on a cancellation list which I can't imagine getting me in any sooner than Thursday, but fortunately nothing got worse over the weekend.

They always like to tell me that every neurologist in the area is booked for months, which is only half true...some are, some aren't, but my insurance is going to get angry with me for hopping around.  So I'm afraid that I'm going to go in Thursday, maybe convince him to run the necessary tests, and then not be able to get back in for 6 weeks again...and continue to get worse in that 6 weeks.  Ridiculous!!  

Just had to rant - I'm sure you all understand my frustration.

[*Stormy*]

I had the same experience except mine was the left side. Even post op, I still have issues with turning my head sharply to the left, thank goodness shoulder checking when driving is mainly on the right.
It started to go from my neck, down my arm and then fairly quickly (matter of months) affected my left leg too. Keep in mind that I was doing activities that I shouldn't b/c I had no idea that it was Chiari causing it. I agree with the others, keep your head turning to a minimum and avoid neck stressing activities. I think you were right in calling your dr, hopefully they will agree to see you sooner.
Carolyn

[selmaS]

HI...I have to agree with Wolf....I was told no driving and am still not behind the wheel...I also had drop attacks...but, u do not want to do nething that will aggravate ur symptoms and this obviously does.

Sometimes the symptoms do progress rapidly.....sometimes very slowly.....and sometimes it may level off for a while.

If u get new symptoms call ur dr right away.

and as Wolf said..do be careful if u feel u must drive
"selma"

[ChiariWolf]

It sounds to me like you need to quit turning your head to the right until a Dr can get a look at what is causing it.

Post op I had similar symptoms that caused my PCP to insist that I not drive at all, no exceptions. I either agreed to it or he went to the state to have my DL revoked. It was a pain but looking back I agree with his actions totally. Why? -  Shortly after I started having those type of problems the drop attacks began happening. If I'd had a drop attack while driving .... don't want to even think about the very real possibility that I could have killed someone.

Please do be careful!

Wolf