Newbie - wondering what I am in for...

[Guest guest]

Hi people.

I am so glad to find this group on the net. I thought I would introduce myself and see if someone out there can help me and my family learn what we are in for.

My name is Doug and I am a 35yo husband and father of 2 girls in Portland OR. I have been going to doctors, physios and chiros for the last 6 months to try and get some relief from short length extremely intense headaches, and sore necks (sound familiar?). My Chiro finally sent me to a Neurologist on Monday, who had me take an MRI on Tuesday, who advised me last night that I had ACM I with a 2cm protrusion of the cerebellar tonsils.

Shock, horror, consternation.... what does this all mean? I had been reading up on the condition on WACMA and have learned a lot. From reading through some of the postings I can see that there are various success rates and recovery times. I am pretty much in a clinical information overload now, so some reality check is called for.

I have had my records sent to a surgeon named Mason in Portland (anyone have any references?). I expect to hear from him between Xmas and Y2K to set up an evaluation for surgery. As worried as I am about having someone playing about with my skull... I desperately want to be rid of the pain. I know my wife and kids aredesperately wanting her old husband and father back.

I am so grateful to have found this resource on the net. Knowing that there is a reason for these headaches is one thing - knowing I am not alone in the so-called "rare medical problems" and that I can talk to others with first hand knowledge is even better.

TIA and I look forward to talking to some of you soon.

Doug