hyper reflexive

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the group. I have been reading what you have written. I

had surgery for a tumor in my left cerebellum and a decompression of

ACM 1 on April 17, 2000. I am from the Pittsburgh area. Dr Maroon and

Dr Bejjani (from UPMC) did my surgery. Has anyone had either of these

two doctors? Until my tumor was found, I really hadn't been diagnosed

with any malady except stress and menopause. (I am 57.) I had

numerous tests as different symptoms arose. They were all negative. I

thought I was just incapable of handling life. I saw an article on

20/20 about ACM and insisted that I have an MRI done. By this time I

had been choking when eating for the past year and the left side of my

face went numb on March 2, 2000. (Last symptom.) My PCP humored me

and ordered a Cat scan. (He still thought I was just under stress and

depressed.) That is when the tumor was found and I had to find a

neurologist. The MRI then showed the chiari.

I am now trying to learn as much as I can about this condition. My

surgery went well, but I now seem to have very hyper reflexes. I had

a lumbar puncture done in Sept to relieve pressure that helped my

walking a little. I was in the hospital Dec 12 for 3 days with a

lumbar drain. When I was admitted I was jerking and could barely

walk. The drain did help and I am now walking without help, but still

find my knees buckle and jerk. Has anyone else had this problem? My

left arm seems to have lost feeling and seems to be somewhat numb. I

just had a MRI on Fri. 12/29/2000. Two Doctors have told me that my

syptoms went too long and this is the best that I will be. I have to

find out what is going on with me. (I don't even know what questions

to ask them--doctors.)

I am sorry to ramble, but if any one can share their experience with

me, you can reach me at pazavatsky@.... Hope to hear from you

soon. Peggy