Re: Being scheduled for surgery & have a few questions

[Guest guest]

Could you guys post the answers. These are the same questions I've been

thinking & would really like to know the answers! Thanks!

a in WA

ACM-1, 11mm

Basilar Impression

To: chiari

Subject: Being scheduled for surgery & have a few questions

Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

Hello Everyone,

I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I was very, very

impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew Chiari like the back of

his hand. He didn’t seem to miss a beat. He told me I have some minor

damage to my spinal cord—looks like it is probably the development of a

syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression surgery in the near future

to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He explained the process to

me and was very straight with me on everything. He told me the surgery may

or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but would prevent them from

getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with hubby and we decided to

go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule the surgery. Everyone

says it is best to get a second opinion. Well, hubby & I discussed that

also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait until it is really

affecting the quality of my life? I would just go back to this NSG and say

let’s do it. So, I guess I have my mind set already. I would rather take

my chances at correcting this situation now and not getting worse.

I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it is a painful surgery. I

was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck lasts? I realize everyone’s

tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I should be feeling pretty

decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be off from work for four

weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I do go back to work I will

only work half days the first week back. I’ll ease back into it.

I decided to go for a really short haircut, especially in the back. My hair

is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every day. I don’t want it

to be near my incision at all. I’m 44 years old and the hair issue is the

least important thing to me. So, how do they usually handle the care of

your incision area after surgery? How long before I am able to wash my

hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I’d like info on the halo

also. How’s that work? He didn’t mention anything about a halo, but I will

ask when he schedules my surgery.

I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks in advance and have a

great day.

Lou

Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

ACM1, 10 mm

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

a, Lou and who ever else,

Compared to before surgery, I felt absolutely

fantastic for the first time in years Lortab 10

relieved a majority of " pain " . Yes the back of the

head hurt and you definately don't want to lean

over....It feels like your head is swelling at a rapid

rate and is just going to explode when you try to lean

over...BIG NO NO. Bad Head...Bad Head My

insision site healed well, but my nausea lasted weeks

and weeks (they ended up redoing MRI's to check the

site). But... unfortunately I never returned to myself

and things have regressed. So.... there is some good

news... some not so good... But hopefully one of the

chiari specialists will be helping me get part of my

life back soon... I can't hold my breath for this

though since that really gives me a bad headache.

My prayers are with you.

Pam in Oregon

--- a Marsden wrote:

> Could you guys post the answers. These are the same

> questions I've been

> thinking & would really like to know the answers!

> Thanks!

>

> a in WA

> ACM-1, 11mm

> Basilar Impression

>

>

>

> To: chiari

> Subject: Being scheduled for surgery & have

> a few questions

> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

>

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

>

>

> I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> was very, very

> impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> Chiari like the back of

> his hand. He didn’t seem to miss a beat. He told

> me I have some minor

> damage to my spinal cord—looks like it is probably

> the development of a

> syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> surgery in the near future

> to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> explained the process to

> me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> told me the surgery may

> or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> would prevent them from

> getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> hubby and we decided to

> go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> the surgery. Everyone

> says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> hubby & I discussed that

> also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> until it is really

> affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> back to this NSG and say

> let’s do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> already. I would rather take

> my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> getting worse.

>

>

>

> I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> is a painful surgery. I

> was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> lasts? I realize everyone’s

> tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> should be feeling pretty

> decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> off from work for four

> weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> do go back to work I will

> only work half days the first week back. I’ll ease

> back into it.

>

>

>

> I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> especially in the back. My hair

> is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> day. I don’t want it

> to be near my incision at all. I’m 44 years old and

> the hair issue is the

> least important thing to me. So, how do they

> usually handle the care of

> your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> am able to wash my

> hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I’d

> like info on the halo

> also. How’s that work? He didn’t mention anything

> about a halo, but I will

> ask when he schedules my surgery.

>

>

>

> I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> in advance and have a

> great day.

>

>

>

> Lou

>

> Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

>

> ACM1, 10 mm

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

a, Lou and who ever else,

Compared to before surgery, I felt absolutely

fantastic for the first time in years Lortab 10

relieved a majority of " pain " . Yes the back of the

head hurt and you definately don't want to lean

over....It feels like your head is swelling at a rapid

rate and is just going to explode when you try to lean

over...BIG NO NO. Bad Head...Bad Head My

insision site healed well, but my nausea lasted weeks

and weeks (they ended up redoing MRI's to check the

site). But... unfortunately I never returned to myself

and things have regressed. So.... there is some good

news... some not so good... But hopefully one of the

chiari specialists will be helping me get part of my

life back soon... I can't hold my breath for this

though since that really gives me a bad headache.

My prayers are with you.

Pam in Oregon

--- a Marsden wrote:

> Could you guys post the answers. These are the same

> questions I've been

> thinking & would really like to know the answers!

> Thanks!

>

> a in WA

> ACM-1, 11mm

> Basilar Impression

>

>

>

> To: chiari

> Subject: Being scheduled for surgery & have

> a few questions

> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

>

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

>

>

> I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> was very, very

> impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> Chiari like the back of

> his hand. He didn’t seem to miss a beat. He told

> me I have some minor

> damage to my spinal cord—looks like it is probably

> the development of a

> syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> surgery in the near future

> to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> explained the process to

> me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> told me the surgery may

> or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> would prevent them from

> getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> hubby and we decided to

> go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> the surgery. Everyone

> says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> hubby & I discussed that

> also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> until it is really

> affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> back to this NSG and say

> let’s do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> already. I would rather take

> my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> getting worse.

>

>

>

> I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> is a painful surgery. I

> was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> lasts? I realize everyone’s

> tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> should be feeling pretty

> decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> off from work for four

> weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> do go back to work I will

> only work half days the first week back. I’ll ease

> back into it.

>

>

>

> I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> especially in the back. My hair

> is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> day. I don’t want it

> to be near my incision at all. I’m 44 years old and

> the hair issue is the

> least important thing to me. So, how do they

> usually handle the care of

> your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> am able to wash my

> hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I’d

> like info on the halo

> also. How’s that work? He didn’t mention anything

> about a halo, but I will

> ask when he schedules my surgery.

>

>

>

> I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> in advance and have a

> great day.

>

>

>

> Lou

>

> Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

>

> ACM1, 10 mm

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

a, Lou and who ever else,

Compared to before surgery, I felt absolutely

fantastic for the first time in years Lortab 10

relieved a majority of " pain " . Yes the back of the

head hurt and you definately don't want to lean

over....It feels like your head is swelling at a rapid

rate and is just going to explode when you try to lean

over...BIG NO NO. Bad Head...Bad Head My

insision site healed well, but my nausea lasted weeks

and weeks (they ended up redoing MRI's to check the

site). But... unfortunately I never returned to myself

and things have regressed. So.... there is some good

news... some not so good... But hopefully one of the

chiari specialists will be helping me get part of my

life back soon... I can't hold my breath for this

though since that really gives me a bad headache.

My prayers are with you.

Pam in Oregon

--- a Marsden wrote:

> Could you guys post the answers. These are the same

> questions I've been

> thinking & would really like to know the answers!

> Thanks!

>

> a in WA

> ACM-1, 11mm

> Basilar Impression

>

>

>

> To: chiari

> Subject: Being scheduled for surgery & have

> a few questions

> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

>

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

>

>

> I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> was very, very

> impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> Chiari like the back of

> his hand. He didn’t seem to miss a beat. He told

> me I have some minor

> damage to my spinal cord—looks like it is probably

> the development of a

> syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> surgery in the near future

> to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> explained the process to

> me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> told me the surgery may

> or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> would prevent them from

> getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> hubby and we decided to

> go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> the surgery. Everyone

> says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> hubby & I discussed that

> also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> until it is really

> affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> back to this NSG and say

> let’s do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> already. I would rather take

> my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> getting worse.

>

>

>

> I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> is a painful surgery. I

> was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> lasts? I realize everyone’s

> tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> should be feeling pretty

> decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> off from work for four

> weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> do go back to work I will

> only work half days the first week back. I’ll ease

> back into it.

>

>

>

> I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> especially in the back. My hair

> is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> day. I don’t want it

> to be near my incision at all. I’m 44 years old and

> the hair issue is the

> least important thing to me. So, how do they

> usually handle the care of

> your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> am able to wash my

> hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I’d

> like info on the halo

> also. How’s that work? He didn’t mention anything

> about a halo, but I will

> ask when he schedules my surgery.

>

>

>

> I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> in advance and have a

> great day.

>

>

>

> Lou

>

> Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

>

> ACM1, 10 mm

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

I just had my surgery on Thursday, and came home on Sunday. I too opted for

short hair. When I was in the Army I wore a high and tight. That's what I

got before I had surgery. My incision is covered by a bandage until

Tonight, then I can take it off. Before I had my hair cut again, I was

getting the insect feeling a lot, the hair cut seems to have helped that. I

can tell my headache is better since the surgery, but am having a tremendous

amount of neck pain. I didn't really eat anything until yesterday, then I

had cereal and French toast yesterday morning, followed with pizza in

afternoon, and again late last night. I normally don't have nausea, so 2 or

3 days was plenty for me. I hope this answers some of your questions. Stan

Being scheduled for surgery & have

> > a few questions

> > Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

> >

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> >

> >

> > I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> > was very, very

> > impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> > Chiari like the back of

> > his hand. He didn't seem to miss a beat. He told

> > me I have some minor

> > damage to my spinal cord-looks like it is probably

> > the development of a

> > syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> > surgery in the near future

> > to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> > explained the process to

> > me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> > told me the surgery may

> > or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> > would prevent them from

> > getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> > hubby and we decided to

> > go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> > the surgery. Everyone

> > says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> > hubby & I discussed that

> > also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> > until it is really

> > affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> > back to this NSG and say

> > let's do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> > already. I would rather take

> > my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> > getting worse.

> >

> >

> >

> > I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> > is a painful surgery. I

> > was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> > lasts? I realize everyone's

> > tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> > should be feeling pretty

> > decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> > off from work for four

> > weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> > do go back to work I will

> > only work half days the first week back. I'll ease

> > back into it.

> >

> >

> >

> > I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> > especially in the back. My hair

> > is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> > day. I don't want it

> > to be near my incision at all. I'm 44 years old and

> > the hair issue is the

> > least important thing to me. So, how do they

> > usually handle the care of

> > your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> > am able to wash my

> > hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I'd

> > like info on the halo

> > also. How's that work? He didn't mention anything

> > about a halo, but I will

> > ask when he schedules my surgery.

> >

> >

> >

> > I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> > in advance and have a

> > great day.

> >

> >

> >

> > Lou

> >

> > Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

> >

> > ACM1, 10 mm

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> >

[Guest guest]

I just had my surgery on Thursday, and came home on Sunday. I too opted for

short hair. When I was in the Army I wore a high and tight. That's what I

got before I had surgery. My incision is covered by a bandage until

Tonight, then I can take it off. Before I had my hair cut again, I was

getting the insect feeling a lot, the hair cut seems to have helped that. I

can tell my headache is better since the surgery, but am having a tremendous

amount of neck pain. I didn't really eat anything until yesterday, then I

had cereal and French toast yesterday morning, followed with pizza in

afternoon, and again late last night. I normally don't have nausea, so 2 or

3 days was plenty for me. I hope this answers some of your questions. Stan

Being scheduled for surgery & have

> > a few questions

> > Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

> >

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> >

> >

> > I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> > was very, very

> > impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> > Chiari like the back of

> > his hand. He didn't seem to miss a beat. He told

> > me I have some minor

> > damage to my spinal cord-looks like it is probably

> > the development of a

> > syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> > surgery in the near future

> > to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> > explained the process to

> > me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> > told me the surgery may

> > or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> > would prevent them from

> > getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> > hubby and we decided to

> > go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> > the surgery. Everyone

> > says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> > hubby & I discussed that

> > also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> > until it is really

> > affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> > back to this NSG and say

> > let's do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> > already. I would rather take

> > my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> > getting worse.

> >

> >

> >

> > I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> > is a painful surgery. I

> > was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> > lasts? I realize everyone's

> > tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> > should be feeling pretty

> > decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> > off from work for four

> > weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> > do go back to work I will

> > only work half days the first week back. I'll ease

> > back into it.

> >

> >

> >

> > I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> > especially in the back. My hair

> > is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> > day. I don't want it

> > to be near my incision at all. I'm 44 years old and

> > the hair issue is the

> > least important thing to me. So, how do they

> > usually handle the care of

> > your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> > am able to wash my

> > hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I'd

> > like info on the halo

> > also. How's that work? He didn't mention anything

> > about a halo, but I will

> > ask when he schedules my surgery.

> >

> >

> >

> > I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> > in advance and have a

> > great day.

> >

> >

> >

> > Lou

> >

> > Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

> >

> > ACM1, 10 mm

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> >

[Guest guest]

I just had my surgery on Thursday, and came home on Sunday. I too opted for

short hair. When I was in the Army I wore a high and tight. That's what I

got before I had surgery. My incision is covered by a bandage until

Tonight, then I can take it off. Before I had my hair cut again, I was

getting the insect feeling a lot, the hair cut seems to have helped that. I

can tell my headache is better since the surgery, but am having a tremendous

amount of neck pain. I didn't really eat anything until yesterday, then I

had cereal and French toast yesterday morning, followed with pizza in

afternoon, and again late last night. I normally don't have nausea, so 2 or

3 days was plenty for me. I hope this answers some of your questions. Stan

Being scheduled for surgery & have

> > a few questions

> > Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

> >

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> >

> >

> > I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I

> > was very, very

> > impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew

> > Chiari like the back of

> > his hand. He didn't seem to miss a beat. He told

> > me I have some minor

> > damage to my spinal cord-looks like it is probably

> > the development of a

> > syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression

> > surgery in the near future

> > to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He

> > explained the process to

> > me and was very straight with me on everything. He

> > told me the surgery may

> > or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but

> > would prevent them from

> > getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with

> > hubby and we decided to

> > go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule

> > the surgery. Everyone

> > says it is best to get a second opinion. Well,

> > hubby & I discussed that

> > also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait

> > until it is really

> > affecting the quality of my life? I would just go

> > back to this NSG and say

> > let's do it. So, I guess I have my mind set

> > already. I would rather take

> > my chances at correcting this situation now and not

> > getting worse.

> >

> >

> >

> > I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it

> > is a painful surgery. I

> > was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck

> > lasts? I realize everyone's

> > tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I

> > should be feeling pretty

> > decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be

> > off from work for four

> > weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I

> > do go back to work I will

> > only work half days the first week back. I'll ease

> > back into it.

> >

> >

> >

> > I decided to go for a really short haircut,

> > especially in the back. My hair

> > is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every

> > day. I don't want it

> > to be near my incision at all. I'm 44 years old and

> > the hair issue is the

> > least important thing to me. So, how do they

> > usually handle the care of

> > your incision area after surgery? How long before I

> > am able to wash my

> > hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I'd

> > like info on the halo

> > also. How's that work? He didn't mention anything

> > about a halo, but I will

> > ask when he schedules my surgery.

> >

> >

> >

> > I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks

> > in advance and have a

> > great day.

> >

> >

> >

> > Lou

> >

> > Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

> >

> > ACM1, 10 mm

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> >

[Guest guest]

>So, how do they usually handle the care of

> your incision area after surgery? How long before I am able to wash my

> hair? Is the incision left open to the air?

> I was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck lasts?

Hi a and Lou,

My incision was covered with a dressing until day 3 of my hospital stay.

Then they applied a smaller one because I had one spot that started

bleeding, that was removed the next day before I left. Normally my doctor

removes it on day 3 and then leaves it open to the air.

My instructions were not to wash my hair until after my staples were removed

(7-10 days after surgery). I was also told to use baby shampoo for 2 weeks

and no other hair care products. They said most hair products contain wax,

and could plug up the holes left from the staples and cause problems. They

also said no perms or haircolor for awhile (don't remember length of time).

I permed my hair 2 weeks before surgery, so it wouldn't be so oily. Also,

the doctors usually shave a strip up the back of the head, leaving enough at

the top to hang over the incision and hide it. It's very effective!

For me, the pain from surgery didn't last long. When you wake up from

surgery, you probably won't be able to turn your head, your neck will be

very stiff. You will slowly regain movement. How fast varies from person

to person. During recuperation, for me the biggest pain was the muscle

spasms that hit after I would regain some movement and started using my neck

more. I had muscle relaxants to help with that. Later, after regaining

movement, if I kept my head turned to the side (after turning to look at

something) it would start hurting. I could turn without pain, but I

couldn't hold it in that position until further in the recovery process.

For me, this surgery was less painful than my c-section and sinus surgery.

I woke up feeling so much better, and was only nauseous for a few hours on

the second day. I felt so good, I had trouble remembering I just had

surgery and had to be careful not to overdo. So this too varies from person

to person!

Cheri

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to answer some of these questions, hope it helps. As far as pain goes,

I'm sorry to say that I had a lot more than I anticipated. However, I don't

think my pain tolerance is very high anymore. Many people think that you become

tolerant to pain when it is chronic. Some research shows that you actually

become more sensitive. My point is, every one is different. The most important

thing to do is discuss pain control with your doctor before surgery. Many

chiari docs order pain medication infusion pumps in the hospital. As a nurse I

can't reccomend these highly enough. You need to stay on top of the pain, the

worse it gets, the harder it is to control. Unfortunately, I found out after

the fact that my doctor doesn't think IV pain meds are ok after brain surgery.

Definately take at least a month off, I went back to grad school within two

weeks, bad idea! You will be very tired for quite awhile after surgery, your

body needs energy to heal. I was able to wash my hair after 10 days. yuk! That

was the most difficult, but the best shampoo of my life! I had bandages on for

2 days, then open to air. I was in the ICU for one day, and a step down unit for

two, then went home. Make sure you have a very patient someone to help you at

home for a week. You won't be able to do squat!. Hang in there. This is not a

rapid recovery surgery, but I do think it is worth it. Good luck to you. By

the way, I also chose not to " wait and see " , I was afraid my deficits would

become permanent. This home page had some great links to research, I found it

very helpful.

Hugs to everyone,

Kat

a Marsden wrote: Could you guys post the

answers. These are the same questions I've been

thinking & would really like to know the answers! Thanks!

a in WA

ACM-1, 11mm

Basilar Impression

From: Lou

To: chiari

Subject: Being scheduled for surgery & have a few questions

Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 07:17:30 -0700 (PDT)

Hello Everyone,

I had my first NSG appointment on Friday morning. I was very, very

impressed and comfortable with the doctor. He knew Chiari like the back of

his hand. He didn’t seem to miss a beat. He told me I have some minor

damage to my spinal cord—looks like it is probably the development of a

syrinx. So, he highly recommends decompression surgery in the near future

to prevent my symptoms from getting any worse. He explained the process to

me and was very straight with me on everything. He told me the surgery may

or may not alleviate the symptoms I have now, but would prevent them from

getting worse. So, I discussed it thoroughly with hubby and we decided to

go for it. I will call him on Monday to schedule the surgery. Everyone

says it is best to get a second opinion. Well, hubby & I discussed that

also. What if I end up with a NSG that says to wait until it is really

affecting the quality of my life? I would just go back to this NSG and say

let’s do it. So, I guess I have my mind set already. I would rather take

my chances at correcting this situation now and not getting worse.

I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it is a painful surgery. I

was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck lasts? I realize everyone’s

tolerance to pain is different also. My NSG said I should be feeling pretty

decent at about two weeks, but he wanted me to be off from work for four

weeks. I have already made my mind up that when I do go back to work I will

only work half days the first week back. I’ll ease back into it.

I decided to go for a really short haircut, especially in the back. My hair

is a bit on the oily side and needs to be wash every day. I don’t want it

to be near my incision at all. I’m 44 years old and the hair issue is the

least important thing to me. So, how do they usually handle the care of

your incision area after surgery? How long before I am able to wash my

hair? Is the incision left open to the air? I’d like info on the halo

also. How’s that work? He didn’t mention anything about a halo, but I will

ask when he schedules my surgery.

I will greatly appreciate any info I can get. Thanks in advance and have a

great day.

Lou

Diagnosed 19 Apr 02

ACM1, 10 mm

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

I do have a few questions to ask though. I know it is a painful surgery. I

was wondering how long the bad pain in the neck lasts? I realize everyone's

tolerance to pain is different also.

I thought I'd address these questions with the list :-)

Like you said, everyone is different. My first decompression I had

complications and my neck caused lots of problems for at least 6-8 months.

PT helped regain strength.... The second decompression I had neck pain for

a few days, and then it was fine.

My NSG said I should be feeling pretty decent at about two weeks, but he

wanted me to be off from work for four weeks. I have already made my mind

up that when I do go back to work I will only work half days the first week

back. I'll ease back into it.

I would say 6 weeks minimum. You will need to listen to your own body, but

you don't want to push recovery. Set backs happen easily in those first 6

months.

So, how do they usually handle the care of your incision area after surgery?

Mine was covered for the first 4 days post op with dressing, then left open

to the air. They changed the dressing daily though.

How long before I am able to wash my hair?

Normally after the staples or sutures come out, approx. 10 days.

I'd like info on the halo also. How's that work?

This is the question I wanted to mainly address to the list. Lots of new

members :-)

For a " normal " decompression a halo isn't needed. When members have a halo

it is for a craniocervical fusion due to cranial settling and or basilar

impression, not chiari decompression.

That is why your surgeon didn't mention the Halo, or as Kate Webb would say

" The H word " . LOL

Kathleen