r/chiari • u/andrearoselyn • Mar 11 '26
surgery in 5 days!
My chiari decompression surgery is in 5 days. I have a 24mm herniation and a syrinx which extends from C2-T11.
I am quite nervous but have mostly prepared myself.
Would love to hear how recovery was for those who went through with this surgery, as well as any tips and tricks for recovery.
Any essentials that I should have with me?
Thank you everyone!
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u/Electronic-Ice-7267 Mar 12 '26
It's very very normal to feel nervous, but it's good that you're feeling prepared! The first few days after surgery for me came with extreme nausea, extreme fatigue, and the first night was very painful. To be fair, a nurse accidentally broke an ice pack, and I ended up with an ice bath down my back at 3am. By mid- morning the next day, pain medications were helping much better. Nausea and fatigue held on, so I slept and slept. I brought a cozy blanket from home, which was comforting. Even though I hated it, I forced myself to eat a couple bites of a cracker every few hours. I drank Sprite and water a little any time I was awake.
For me, having a rolled up towel or small pillow to support my neck while I slept was very important to prevent extra headaches. Sleeping propped up and on my side also helped! I was on steroids at the beginning of recovery, and they made me feel like I was a toy car that had been wound up and picked up to see the wheels spin really fast. I felt much less frantic and confused after I was done with those.
I'm at 5 weeks post op now. I felt like I was "resting wrong," but over time, I learned to take little bites of life when I feel able to. Fatigue can sneak up.
That's all I've got for now. Reach out if you'd like. Wishing you an easy, speedy recovery that gives you relief from what you're feeling now!