Positive Update

[actressmouse]

Hello All -- Happy New Year!  I wanted to post an update to everyone out there awaiting surgery or considering it....It's a tough decision to make, and one that should be thoroughly investigated from all angles.  However, I feel compelled to share some positive news.  

I am about 6 1/2 months post op decompression and fusion skull to c2.  I've been officially discharged from physical therapy after regaining much of my Range of Motion post fusion....I am back to driving and work full time.  I go back to TCI on 1/4 for my follow up appt. with Dr. B.  and I do think I've rehabbed quite well.  I'm still on Flexeril 3 times daily to help with some lingering muscle spasms and Tramadol PRN (which I really don't use all that often).  I sang at midnight mass (solo and duets) and my voice is coming back more and more each day.  The issue I had with raising my arms overhead is gone; I can now raise them above my head, -- no problem.  No headaches, no issues with sleep.  I still have the ringing in my ears and the hearing loss; however, I haven't had my hearing tested since before surgery (I go in for that on 12/31).  

I feel truly blessed and eternally grateful for all the support found here and from my healthcare team at TCI and Dr. Francomano's office.  It feels incredible to be "on the other side" of the Chiari mountain.  Thank you, thank you for everyone's support and well wishes.  :)

[selmaS]

  Fantastic news !! Thanks for sharing an update on ur recovery....I am so glad things r working out so well for u...having the right team of Drs is key !

Happy New year : )

[linnielou232]

I'm so happy to hear your doing so well.  Keep up the good healing and positive thoughts.  Happy New Years to you my Charian friend.
Linda :)

[actressmouse]

That was a big fear of mine, too.  I went back and forth with the decision....however, in the end, I had to admit that I was only getting worse as time went on.  Rest assured...you've got a GREAT surgeon!

[padrssuck]

Im so glad to hear somwone with a positive outcome. Im having my surgery in a few weeks and Im.so scared that ill end up worse than when i started. Dr b is doing.my surgery as well. Thanks for the good news

[Viva001]

Thanks!  Sometimes (usually) we have to create our own team, & it's good to know who should be on it.

I know that I still have some work cut out for me for next yr. (whether it's pain mgt. or rehab or whatever).

[actressmouse]

I include anyone who has been helpful to me in the past 2 years.  Specifically, docs at TCI - both Dr. Bolognese and Dr. Kula (NL); Dr. B's nurse practitioner (Denise); the surgical coordinator at TCI; and the medical secy that schedules all of my appts (scans and visits).  I add to that list Dr. Francomano in Baltimore and her genetic counselor and scheduler, my local GP and nurse practitioner (after they FINALLY got on board and realized I wasn't "makin' this stuff up!), and my new pain mgmt. doc and his nurse practitioner.  To each and every one of them I remain, very grateful.  :)

[BB11]

What wonderful news!  It's so nice of you to post a positive outcome especially since most of us struggle and need to hear something like this to give us hope. I'm considering visiting TCI for a 2nd opinion on having TC surgery, especially since someone on another forum suggested I could have cranio cervical instability and after reading up on it it seems to "fit" me. Again, thank you for sharing your wonderful news. Many blessings to you chiari sister!  

[Viva001]

What constitutes "the team"?  The downside of my NS is that he works alone, & also is 4 hr. away.
I see my pcp in a couple wks–-he was supportive of surgery--but I wasn't happy w/the NL he had referred me to. (a jerk)

[Viva001]

Wonderful to read this!
I am slightly behind you post op, and most definitely progressing, but I'm finding that many days are simply unpredictable.  Maybe it's just that I'm not aware enough to see a pattern, or that there is too much of a delayed reaction after overdoing.

Anyway, Very, very happy for you!  What a happy New Year for you.