Newly Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone! I'm 27, I live in Pittsburgh, and I have been recently

diagnosed with Chiari Mal 1. I will be seeing a neurosurgeon by the

end of Jan., and I'm pretty scared. For three long years I have had

symptoms that no DR. recognized. I've been diagnosed so many other

things there are too many to list. Up until 2 months ago every DR I

came in contact with treated me like I was crazy, and tried to

medicate me that way. I've been on 3 different kinds of seizure meds,

as well as countless pills for depression, and anxiety. One DR even

though I was disassociating myself from the real world. None of which

is true. At this point it's very hard to even get through a day. I've

had broken bones before, and that feels like a hang nail compared to

the constant pain I feel in my head and my back. I can't stand up

strait because the pain is unbearable. It feels like my bones are

rubbing against each other. I can find no relief in any position, and

that is just the start of the symptoms I am experiencing. I get

dizzy often, and walk into things, my ears never stop ringing, my

arms and legs get weak so easily. Just doing the dishes makes me

feel like I worked out. I can't hear very well at all, and I thought

that was due to tubes as a child. I stare off, I forget the simplest

things, I twitch, and shake, I often studder when I'm twitchy. I have

blurry vision and pain behind my eyes, and that's all scary. Now,

after an MRI there have been some answers. I have to have some more

tests with balance, and a spinal scan,because I also have slight

scoliosis. I have been to " chips " web page and I am very anxious to

chat with other people like me. I have many questions and I am very

relieved I'm not actually crazy. When so many DR's say the same

things, you tend to believe them. I always knew something wasn't

right, that there was no way I could feel like this and there be no

explanation! Now I know what's wrong, and I never imagined it would

involve my brain. It's all a bit scary, but a relief to know there is

a reason, and it can be fixed. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful

family,good friends,and a Mom who has always believed in me. I don't

know how I could have dealt with hearing the word neurosurgeon

without her. I don't know how I would be able to do any of this

without her, she just has a way of making everything be okay. I hope

this introduction finds everyone in good spirits, and I can't wait to

hear from and talk to everyone who feels like I do. Thanks for

listening!