September is Chiari Awareness Month ~~~~

[selmaS]

Hi All please wear your purple all month long and let everyone you know what Chiari is and how it affects those of us with it.....

Chiari is a malformation of the skull which forces the cerebral tonsils out and onto the spinal cord and brain stem as a result of the skull being too small.

With this herniation we suffer from all sorts of pains and neuro issues....balance issues dizziness, black outs, vision disturbances, breathing issues, and major headaches.

There is no cure ,only surgery to help restore CSF flow and help slow progression of a syrinx if one is present..surgery can help prevent the formation of a syrinx which left untreated can lead to perm nerve damage.

Having a invisible condition is difficult to navigate as we do not get the support from family , friends or the medical community since Chiari is not well known, but it is far from being a rare condition, there are more with Chiari then MS !! the only rare thing about Chiari is well informed and experienced Drs....so share what you know and help others understand what Chiari is.

[selmaS]

  I am hoping to see a few more members post Chiari Awareness Month on their status

[KerriC1]

I couldn't agree more!

[selmaS]

  It was so beautiful last yr....sure  it will be just as beautiful again this yr....to see something so large purple for our cause is just great !

[KerriC1]

I had no clue at all. Thank you for letting me know that, I will  deff watch it!

[selmaS]

  Yes, they did it last year as well....you can watch it live on a link...very cool.

[KerriC1]

So my daughter found something on Facebook and sent it to me. On September 19 at 10:00 pm Niagara Falls  will turn purple for chiari awareness! I just thought that was so awesome and worth sharing!

[selmaS]

  Where are all the status statements for Chiari awareness???

[selmaS]

  Hoping I see a few more members here add the statement that September is Chiari awareness month to their status.......

[selmaS]

  I challenge all Chiari members here on MedHelp to change their status to "September is Chiari Awareness month"  and keep is up all month long.

[selmaS]

  That is fabulous your whole family sporting tats for you and Chiari awareness.awesome !

[KerriC1]

It's my first and last one! Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! My husband and daughters also got one with me so when people ask what it's for they inform them and I think it helps a bit to spread awareness. I will Update my status though!

[selmaS]

  That is great...not sure I could deal with a tat....just not me and I hate needles...if you can..add September is Chiari Awareness month on your status here on MedHelp so  more people see it and some may ask more about it....especially if you are in any other forums here : )

[KerriC1]

I have a purple ribbon tattoo on my left shoulder because that is what ultimately got me diagnosed with chiari. I wear purple everyday for all of us suffering and conquering