getting worse?

[D1C5SLEEP]

so I got diagnosed with Chiari just a few months ago. the doc was very concerned and said that surgery was absolutely necessary, but we asked to wait till summer to have it (I am still in high school and having it would be detrimental to finishing this year). I had most of the symptoms when we first went in, but now it seems as if they are getting worse, my headaches hurt a ton to the point of tears, I am having less balance, and more frequent loss of feeling in my hands, legs.  I am also developing new symptoms like ear pressure, and extreme back pain. I do not know weather to go back in or not. is it potentially a danger to not go back in and wait until summer for surgery? and are the symptoms getting worse, or is it normal for them to get worse? thank you for your help!

[D1C5SLEEP]

thank you both soo much! I had never been told that symptoms cycle...that explains a ton!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

U will want to ask that Dr y they felt u needed surgery...and how it is affecting ur overall health and what he/she felt about ur waiting.

Symptoms can cycle and u can have flares so if u r stressed u will feel worse...and if u are carrying books especially up stairs that can cause more pain as well as using a back pack...find one on wheels...ask ur eye Dr about tinted glasses as florescent lights play a role in the HA's and most schools have them.

Get an opinion by another Dr, find one that is a true Chiari specialist and if u have ne related conditions.....

Waiting till summer may not help u if u have to go back in the fall,,....u may was well have it now if u have a CSF obstruction and feeling that badly....but do ask ur Dr....but it can take months b4 u can get back to a full day of school....going back too soon can cause set backs....

Just know u r not alone....

[The_beat_goes_on]

I'm sorry to hear about your worsening symptoms ... if you can hold out, for the sake of school, you MIGHT find that the severity of your symptoms cycles.  I know mine did for years (before I was diagnosed) .... definitely get in to see your doctor and discuss it with him. Was this the only doctor you've seen?  a second opinion might also be in order. I hope you get some relief.