Risks of surgery

[MiaQuam]

Has anyone heard of any serious complications or deaths as a result of the surgery?  I want to have the surgery however I have had my share of medical problems and my family doesn't want me to. I don't think they understand how it feels.

[selmaS]

OH , I went to TCI as well and had a wonderful experience there.I just had my surgery in May of this yr......

If u r happy with ur dr and u trust him that is a big part of who u choose after knowing they r a true chiari  specialist.

Keep us posted

"selma"

[redkim]

Mia, welcome to the board.  I am not trying in any way to cause problems...but have you research TCI in the news?  They have been having some issues and it would be worth reading to get all the information you need.  

[MiaQuam]

I can handle the pain right now thank goodness but I can't handle the other symptoms. The vertigo is driving me insane and the loss of memory and vocabulary is starting to be really noticable by those who are close to me.  I have two young boys and I don't want them to ever notice. Which I'm sure they have though.  Thanks for your response, it really is helping me to understand when I should decide.

[MiaQuam]

Thank you for your response.  I hope I don't drive everyone crazy with my questions.  I am so glad I found this site.

[MiaQuam]

Thanks for your response. It seems like this is the only place where everyone understands.  My doctor is Dr. Paolo Bolognese at the TCI. He is wonderful!! He recommended the surgery but told me to take my time deciding. He told me all the precautions he would take before surgery and during.  I also had a pulmonary embolism in 2002 and just recently found out that I have factor v leiden and I have to have an IVC filter put in place before I have the surgery.  My family is scared because of the last procedure that I had, I stopped breathing and had to be resisutated. The doctors aren't sure why it happened because I was just having a shot in which they go through my neck to help block pain.  Dr. Bolognese believes it could have been associated with the chiari.   I haved noticed in the last few months that I also have been "losing my words". I was always a good speaker and now I have a hard time coming up with the words or getting it out right. Is that a symptom? I think I read that somewhere.  Thanks again for all your help!

[Devin215]

Hello. A few  things I can advise you off is this. First off in my situation my family did not want me to have surgery because they didn't understand Chiari and all they heard me say is brain surgery which for any person that would raise a HUGE red flag like it did for me. What I did for that is I did all the research I could for 7 months before I committed to the surgery. In that 7 months my symptoms slowly progressed in frequency and my headaches got worse in intensity. What I did is for all the people who were almost in a way against the surgery (my mom) I went to her house got on the computer showed her my MRI's explained my understanding of the surgery and the benefits and the risks and how my life was affected. What my Dr did for me before I was even diagnosed was I had a FULL physical My dr drew 19 tubes of blood.  I did so much research before the surgery. Also, pre op before I had the surgery I was soooo scared but I knew I could get worse or have permanent nerve damage or paralysis and I didn't want that. Don't rush into the surgery either it is not recommended lightly like my NS said. It is serious and like any surgery there is RISK. You will know when you are ready and with all the people I have talked to they had it because they couldn't handle the pain and symptoms any more including me. This forum is full of info so feel free to ask any other questions you have

[Shane99]

I agree with Selma - make sure your surgeon is a Chiari expert.

Your family only wants what's best for you, but they don't really hnow what Chiari is like - beyond the symptoms, be aware that Chiari and it's related diseases can cause serious health risks - paralysis, constant pain, blindness, etc.

Only your doctor can really advise you, and only you know if the surgery is really necessary - this is your choice alone to make.  

[selmaS]

Hi...with all surgeries u run these risks...and death is a possibility regardless that it is a chiari surgery.This is also Y I suggest u find a true Chiari specialist as they will monitor u in ICU and all ur nerves while in surgery.

I am not sure what other health concerns u have, but if the risks of surgery out weigh the  benefits of surgery....I am sure ur Dr will advise against it.

My surgeon and PCP were very careful and I had chest xrays and my heart checked...all so the surgeon knoew what was going on with me and my overall health.

Only ur dr can advise u  what the risks r, but I will repeat, ALL surgeries have risk.

"selma"