New to group - seeking Encouragement & Info

March 3, 2008

Hello all,

I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mom to 4 precious children. My

journey with Chiari is short-lived - unlike most Chiarians who search

for years for answers, I was diagnosed following a slip & fall

incident this past August. Life before my fall was normal - busy

with 4 children, but normal.

I started with tingling of my upper back and shoulders (as well as

pain) the day after the fall, and my symptoms have gotten

progressively worse since then. I'm told by the docs at TCI (was

just there last week) that I have all the classic Chiari symptoms.

I am down much more than I'm up, and we haven't had a full week of

school since I fell. I see myself digressing, and it's scary. I'm

the type of mom that loves to ride roller coasters, jump on the

trampoline, and play soccer with my kids. I'm also the type that

could make an appointment this year, not write it down, and remember

it next year. Needless to say, all this has changed.

The docs at TCI told me to let them know when I'm ready for surgery,

but I'm scared to open that can of worms, so to speak. I read the

posts here, and seeing all the multiple surgeries scares me. I am

told that I'm also borderline for TCS and EDS, so that's daunting as

well. I'd love to know if there's statistics out there for

successful first-time surgeries. The idea of surgery is one that I

really don't like and would love to run from, but then to go on

living this way is even more upsetting. That said, I know that

surgery is where I'm going to end up, but I guess I'm just looking

for some encouragement.

I also didn't want to give up on the idea of having more children -

anyway have children following surgery?

Any advice or wisdom is welcome. Thanks in advance to all of you.....

Blessings,

Kathy

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