Weight loss and symptom relief

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I am writing this post as I am living proof that loosing weight does

help, not always, with Chiari symptoms. I still need surgery but the

benefits of loosing weight before surgery is so important that I

needed to write to you all. I have heard from a few people that they

have heard that loosing weight will not help. That just is not always

true.

I gained 15 pounds when I was told to stop running, than another 15

pounds the next year when I started back to school full-time to

pursue my degree so I can get my PA license, then another 30 pounds

after a freak kayak accident put me in a " Chiari tailspin " . All of

this in 3 years. I finally decided that I had better stop the

gain...I started swimming freestyle laps twice a day and started

taking pain medication. I was eating to distract myself from the

pain. I don't know what it is about swimming laps but being in the

pool made me pain free and I feel like a new woman while I am in the

pool. I also eat no sugar, and no flour products. I eat veggies,

fruits, wild rice and lean meat. I find that less to choose from is

better for me.

I have lost 35 pounds and I don't get the " scary " headaches anymore.

I can bend over without getting hit in the head with a " Chiari Bat " .

I don't stay bent over very long though! I took a seasonal job

merchandising clothing , the constant walking helps my head, and I

feel better! I have 20 left to go and I know it will only help. I

still need surgery but my quality of life is much better. I also

avoid triggers like sitting at the computer, or sitting and standing

in one place.

I hope this gives someone a little hope. Besides, it will only help

you recover from your surgery. This is a fact " fat tissue does not

heal as well as lean tissue " , ask any surgeon.

Have a great night!

Lynn

ACM, TCS, EDS, PFO ( getting that closed on the 28th)

[Guest guest]

I think this would have to be a very individual thing. I dropped 110 pound

and ended up having a series of headaches that were much worse than I had

before the surgeries. These headaches were so bad they required ER visits. I do

not remember having to do that before I lost the weight but I've had to do it 7

times this year alone.

However, I think losing excess weight is always a huge health benefit to

anyone. The less your body has to struggle with the excess weight the more it

can focus it's resources and energy on the more important issues.

BTW...congratulations on your weight loss!

Shari

Wichita KS

7 surgeries in 6 months in 2004

decompression, 5 revisions, 1 to replace shunt tube

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