is nortriptyline helpful with chiari or is it just masking pain for now?

[ninjahusky007]

hi - was referred to a neurosurgeon to see a physiatrist which then referred me to 2 other drs - a neurotherapist and a neuropsychologist.  also prescribed nortriptyline.  i guess i shouldnt have said i was a little depressed.  but man isn't feeling that way probably normal after a car accident, then chiari diagnosis, then possibly brain surgery, and finally after being told i may never again get to play the sport i love which is hockey because of all this?  been to 3 neurosurgeons - 1st two say surgery is an option and come back when you're ready basically.  3rd one referred me to physiatrist and said basically surgery will be an option down the road.  26mm herniation with a CSF blockage (i had a cine study with 2nd neurosurgeon).  jw if anybody else has been down this road.  feels like im taking steps backward instead of forward... a little frustrated with drs at this point...

[selmaS]

  It seems you are seeking a Dr to tell you what you want to hear...instead of being open to possible changes in your life....I know it is not easy...I no longer drive and am no longer the independent person I had been all my life....so I know and understand what a change it is....and I know a few people that were told they could go back to sports post op....and they had major set backs and have had so many surgeries.....

Just knowing it could lead to other issues, once you recovery I do not understand the desire to possibly cause more harm.....it took me long to heal from this, as a person with EDS I heal slower then most....plus I was older when I had surgery...a month b4 my 50th birthday...

B4 you have this surgery you may imagine you are going to be "fixed" and go back to life as  "normal" but "normal" may be different...so please expect that and wait to see how you are b4 you plan things and find a Dr that will tell you the truth and is well informed and experienced.....not all Drs are and some so full of ego they feel they can fix this....I do not believe they can....only slow progression and restore CSF flow...and once you have surgery that area is weakened.

This is my personal opinion after having been thru surgery and talking with others for over 8 yrs.

[Anniefaj]

Wow I would be very frustrated too. Are you seeing a Chiari specialist ? So many Drs even Neurologist are not very familiar with Chiari. That is a very significant herniation to have. How bad are your symptoms ? Also who told you that you can never play hockey again? There are many people with Chiari and had successful surgeries who are back to doing what they love ! To the question of is the nortriptyline masking the pain. Yes it can be a pain reliever . And until you get surgery any meds you take will not cure you they will just help control pain. Surgery is the only way to stop the progression of Chiari .
I would make a list of all of your symptoms daily, and try to find a Chiari specialist. Best of luck to you.

[ninjahusky007]

the first 2 said no restrictions after decompression.  3rd one said its not a good idea now or ever, which totally bummed me out.... i don't think any are an actual "chiari specialist" - could not find any in st louis mo. i have seen a couple of great success stories where ppl got to go back and do their sports but finding a specialist who has an opinion that sports are ok after surgery seems difficult.  i am very frustrated and upset by all this.  my symptoms are a headache that never goes away, slight dizziness occasionally, facial numbness and slight numbness of hands and feet occasionally.  apparently drs think my balance is off too but i honestly haven't noticed any of that too much.

[selmaS]

  Hi as the above poster mentioned many times a med used for anxiety or depression  are also used to help with pain....

Most Drs are not well informed with Chiari and ALL related conditions....so it can be a bit frustrating to say the least....educate yourself on ALL related conditions and research Drs....finding the right one is key.

For me most pain meds did not help at all...sometimes they do, but it is short lived....and getting on pain meds b4 a surgery will lessen their ability to help should you have surgery.

[Initwithyou]

I take amitriptyline; nortriptyline is a derivative as said when I googled it.  Not only are tricyclics used for depression but also for nerve pain.  Very common actually for nerve pain.  You may want think about giving it a try.  It really helps me get through a work day.  I have two sons who grew up playing hockey and understand your frustration but there are many other fun things out there you can turn your energy too.  I will also be giving up something I love to do after my second surgery.  The surgeon after the first surgery told me NO restrictions but maybe there should have been.  If hockey is something you truly enjoy, there are other ways to stay involved in it without playing it?