It's been a long time since I've posted anything here -- I've been trying to wait it out ... hoping that things would get back to "normal" but it just isn't happening. Some (Hopefully condensed) background -
2013 - first chiari decompression and c1 laminectomy. My own dura was used as the patch.
complications ... sterile meningitis that caused hydrocephalus. Enter the shunt merry-go-round.
2015 - second, more aggressive decompression because of a large cervical syrinx and syringobulbia, which is I guess a mini syrinx / spot on my brain stem from compression. Bovine patch was used and my cerebral tonsils were completely removed.
since all my symptoms have returned. Constant headache that is worse with straining / sneezing / laughing / most activity. Intense nausea. Heartbeat in my ears. Numbness in face /arms /hands. Dizziness and balance issues that are almost funny, until I need to go up or down stairs, or shower!
I uploaded a few images from the last mri I had (12-7-17) ... It still looks like there is a herniation to me? but since I have no cerebral tonsils, is it my cerebellum? I have a broken shunt right now, it would not adjust either way ... they clog like it's their job. So the day after Christmas I have an LP and then the 29th another MRI. This last one was supposed to be with contrast and they tried two days in a row, but my veins all collapsed, even with ultrasound guidance going 3cm deep... so I'll be getting a picc line that morning.
Since most of us have a pretty good idea of what a normal MRI is and what isn't ... what do you guys think of mine? they're the last three images in my album. I don't know what to think.
Anyway, I hope you all are able to enjoy the holidays!