New and really scared

[Jessica]

Hi everyone,

I'm really glad I found this. I'm Jessica and I'm a 19 year old college student. My mom was just diagonised today with Chiari Malformation. She is 40years old and has type 1 and it has been confirmed with an MRI. She has met with a NS at Emory University in Atlanta and they believe surgery is the best option.

I'm a full time nursing student so of course I start thinking the worst when it comes to brain surgery. My question is what is the surgery like for those that have had it and what should I expect?

How hard and long is the recovery?

I cant quit school, but if I have to I will. I have two younger siblings ages 11 and 5 who my mom homeschools, and I dont know how I can take care of them by myself if something was to happen.

I know the realtive risks seem low but it's still really scary to be in this postion.

I am a Christian and I know the Lord can heal my mom, so for those who are believers please stand with me on this.

Thanks. I look forward to hearing your responses.

Jessica

[LIZARD]

((((((((((((((Jessica)))))))))))))))).

Is your mom having symptoms? How bad are they? If she isn't, or they aren't significant, surgery may not be necessary. In either of these cases, a second opinion should be sought. My son (13 to on the 23rd of this month) was dx'ed with a 13 mm ACM I at 5 1/2, theee years after being dx'ed with autism. As of right now, he appears to have minimal symptoms except, possibly, the autism, which I'm trying to investigate.


Good luck...

LIZARD :)

[Jessica]

Hi Liz,

Thanks for responding. Yes my mom is having some symptoms. Joint pain, fatigue, headaches. I think she is going to go for a second opinon as well. I am praying she will not have to have the surgery. Thanks for the input :)

[Nanna B]

Hi Jessica,

Sorry to hear of your mom's condition. You are so sweet, try not to worry.

I was just dx March 2007 with ACM. I, too, am a Christian homeschool mom with one in college. I am sorry I can not offer any information on the decompression surgery.

For me-one NS said it is just a radiological finding. The second NS said I was too old for Chiari. Finally, I ended up at the Chiari Institute found out my Chiari was more severe than the previous two said. I am not a candidate for that surgery because my cerebellum is displaced too. I am, however, having tethered cord surgery in a couple of weeks, in hopes this will relieve the pulling of my brain stem, tonsils, and cerebellum.

I am sure you are a great comfort for your mom. It probably is a good idea for a second opinion, third, or more. Keep going until you are satisfied.

You may want to check out the videoes on The Chiari Institute website. Very informative.

Best wishes,
Nan

[pringlec]

Jessica, sorry to hear about your mom. I'm sure God will guide her through the surgery if neccessary. As far as homeschooling, I know there are certain circumstances that warrant an extention. Does she use the DVD program or does she do the teaching? I used the DVD program with my son and it helped alot because I was mostly there just to monitor him. That might be something that would help her. I had decompression surgery in 2003 and was blessed because I had alot of friends through my church that helped me and my family during my recovery. The recovery for me was rough but I am glad I had the surgery. Although I still have some problem (think I always will)I do feel alot better. Let us know how things go for your mom, I will keep her in my prayers.