Hello. My name is Suzie and I wanted to share my story.
I was diagnosed with Chiari I in August 2015 after years of headaches, vertigo/dizziness, numbness/tingling, nausea, etc. I was being treated for migraines, but nothing was working. Looking back, the doctor I had been seeing for years retired, and I started seeing a new doctor (GP). The new doctor referred me to a neurologist who recommended a MRI. The MRI showed Chiari I of 19mm. I was able to get in to see a NS very quickly (I was living in Illinois at the time), and he was a God send. While he told me that I will have Chiari for the rest of my life (most likely was born with it), he felt that he could help me and recommended surgery. For me, that was the right decision. My surgery was Dec 22, 2015. I spent Christmas and New Years in the hospital. Recovery was hard for me (I was 49 when I had surgery), and I didn’t go back to work for 5 months.
I am now 2+ years post op. Most of my symptoms are gone (especially the headaches), but I’ve just started having some vision issues (like double-vision). My husband and I moved to Florida last year, so I’m trying to find a new neurologist. I’ve been to see an eye doctor and will be going back for more tests in a few weeks.
I’m just so happy to have my life back. Happy to be part of this support group.