need a chiari specialist in L.A

[jess7057]

Hi everyone...

I'm new to the site, and to chiari as well. Just had MRI this friday my doc. called Saturday told me I had Chiari...and need surgery...very scared. Can you pls refer a reputable doctor in L.A area? Plan to see asap.

Thanks a lot.

[LisaM46]

I am doing well at home.  This coming Monday will be the three week post op date, so I'm definitely still in "recovery mode".  I'm down to just 2-3 Vicodin per day, and I would rate the pain at about a 2 (from 1-10).  I am up to walking around the block once per day.  Two days ago, I tried to go around our park, but it was too much, I cut through halfway around, and was very tired after.  For some reason, today I feel a little lightheaded.

I had an appointment with Dr. Holly 8 days post-op, had a good visit, but it was too soon for staple removal.  The lower staples were red, so he put me on an antibiotic.  Then I went in 11 days post-op (Friday) to get my staples removed, and am healing fine.

I'm supposed to go in at the three month mark for an mri to see how things look.  

Try to not be too scared.  I know it's hard, but I think it makes your symptoms worse when you let your mind get carried away.  Hopefully they can get you in soon & alleviate some of your worries.  Have you already sent your mri & reports to Dr. B?

L

[jess7057]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for this encouraging news...I just sent out my information to Dr. Batzdorf yesterday hopefully by end of next wk I can get appointment.

How is your recovery? are you still in pain? did you go back to see Dr B for check-up? hwo long is the healing process?
I do wish and pray for your great healing process. Honestly I'm very scared....

Take care
Jess

[LisaM46]

Hi Jess,
My NS is Dr. Batzdorf.  He is VERY knowledgeable about CM (CM & SM are his specialty, with an occasional tumor tossed in the mix), I really like him and am very comfortable with him.  Dr. Langston Holly (he's 41 yrs. old, according to the profile I found) just did my surgery on November 8th.  Again, very knowledgeable and my husband & I really hit it off with him.  He has been doing the surgery for about ten years.  Dr. Batzdorf did attend my surgery.

Lisa

[jess7057]

Thanks for the information. I did called and was told that Dr Batzdorf will not be the one performing surgery but other doctor...I guess someone younger and residence since UCLA is famous school? shall I take a chance? Thank you!

[Jennyfoo]

You're lucky you're in LA. Dr Batzdorf and Dr Holly are supposed to be great!

*  Dr. Ulrich Batzdorf
Neurosurgeon
Box 956901
Los Angeles 90095-6901
(ph) 310.825.5079

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We do not refer u to a dr, but can help u get ur research for drs started......we have a list of drs that was compiled by the members here....u have to research the drs and meet a few to see which is the best for u.

U will also find that u may have to travel to get to a true chiari specialist.

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/DOCTORS-LIST-FOR-CHIARI-SYRINGOMYELIA/show/1062?cid=186

Members will add info on a dr via a PM if u ask ......

Glad to have u join us, but not happy for the reason that brought u here.

"selma"