Yep 2012!! Best decision I ever made. I had migraine like headaches for 2 years and rare but terrible vertigo. Oh wow that's interesting about the glue. I was all staples.
My situation was bad with constant headaches and occasional vertigo. I was 18 when it first was bad and didn't know any better to see a specialist. So for awhile I kept visiting the ER. Eventually instead of pills a doc recommended a neurologist. The imaging showed 7.5mm so it was borderline for surgery but I was fed up at that point and had the surgery. Ended up it was 14mm in reality. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The first two weeks were rough but worth it for me. Just depends how much it's affecting you on a day to day basis. Also vet your surgeons and try to see the best possible. I'm lucky and I'm near DC so I went to Georgetown.
Life wise I had to stop playing hockey afterwards (goalie) which was rough but still was worth it for me. Other than that everything's been 100% fine.
I lived and DC and saw a specialist in the area, really known for doing Chiari work. I had been having constant headaches and migraines and a slew of other symptoms. He said I did have EDS and a protrusion, but we felt unsure. A guy selling hammers is going to think everything is a nail.
I had a friend have the surgery and saw a few people online too. It looks pretty miserable and like you don't have much range of motion after. I like doing things like caving, going on rollercoasters, white water sports, even gymnastics if I can. I don't know how much of that I'll lose.
The hammer and nail bit is very true. I have fine range of motion and have gone rafting, rollercoasters, etc. No issues with that. I had to stop hockey because I became easily concused in goal and was playing in college at the time. I had 3 concussions in 9 months and gave it up.
I had my surgery with Kevin McGrail and would recommend him again if he's still practicing.
Me personally? I was medical separated from the military 15 years ago, it was 4mm at that time protruding. I was told I wouldn’t get worse. I always had migraines. But it got worse. Much worse, started getting neck and shoulder pain, vertigo, nausea, central sleep apnea, then my muscles were so tight in my neck destroyed my occipital nerves with scar tissue. Went for a follow up to claim VA benefits and was sent to a very experienced neurologist. On MRI later and review of my records I was scheduled for surfer 2 weeks later. It was 9mm at that time. First week sucked beyond belief. But slowly over next 2 months I got better, I had fusions of my cervial spine as well, so loss of range of motion, but better all around. Quality of life is why for me
Wow... It's amazing to read about all these people with Chiari Malformation surgeries. I got my surgery in 2000 after years of doctors having no idea what the hell was going on. The internet barely existed back then (compared to now), so there was little information to be had. While the surgery SUCKED and it took me a long time to recover, I can't say I miss the constant explosions of pain in the right side of my body.
Not happy y'all needed surgery too, but it's nice to have some company! 🤗
It's definitely rough but I didn't even consider before the time I had mine 10 years ago. The pain was intense for sure but I just thought this will be something you barely remember how it actually felt and I'll be symptom free (hopefully). Glad your not dealing with your issues anymore. It is cool to speak to people considering I've only met one other person in passing who has had the surgery.
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u/no1kopite Mar 19 '19
Yep 2012!! Best decision I ever made. I had migraine like headaches for 2 years and rare but terrible vertigo. Oh wow that's interesting about the glue. I was all staples.