Pre op I had daily headaches that were mostly bearable. My major problems were back pain. My doctor said back pain was caused by Chiari. I am now 5 days post op and back pain is almost completely gone. Unfortunately now my headaches are constant and much worse. I am getting around rather well. Much better than was expected. Things were not as expected when I was opened up and I ended up having a more extensive surgery than was planned. So is it normal for headaches to become worse for a time after surgery or should I contact my physician?
Stephanie, so sorry you are having pain. Yes it’s very normal to have a headache after this surgery. Give it some time there has been a tremendous trauma to your muscles, nerves, ligaments, and bones - each one separately would be very painful. I’m so glad the back pain is noticeably better- good sign I think! If your pain is not controlled call your NS- are you taking a muscle relaxer? That was very helpful for me. If one med isn’t working try something new. I found that some pain meds and even valium give me a rager the next morning- like a hangover feeling. Also try to be relaxed and lazy, try not to judge your outcome 6 days out- it is soooo early. You will have some good days then periods of new pain that you may have never had- healing can be painful. That being said, if you feel something is not right, you think you have a CSF leak (pocket of fluid neck or head) or running a fever call you NS. Hang in there Stephanie.
Jenn
Thanks for your replies to my discussion. I am happy to report that I am having a better day today. My head is not hurting quite as much. I am resting a lot. Sometimes I fall asleep at the strangest times and in the weirdest places and positions. It is actually comical at times.
glad you are feeling better post-op. Just curious...where exactly was your back pain before surgery? I have had chronic lower back pain but never thought to attribute it to Chiari...I was just diagnosed in September.
My back pain was in my middle back for the last 10 years. It hurt to even breath. Then 3 years ago my lower back started to hurt. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis. I did PT and had epidural in my spine. Neither worked and I ended up with a CSF leak from a Mylegram. Nothing stopped my pain. The pain was constant and even affected my left leg and the way I walked. Now I am not working and haven't done anything strenuous but my back has not hurt at all since I had surgery. I had consulted with my NS after the spinal stenosis and arthritis diagnosis and he said there was nothing he could do for me surgically. It didn't look bad enough on MRI. After he saw MRI that showed CM1 he said he thought that was what was causing back problems and thought decompression surgery would fix it. So far I'm a believer. His name is Dr. Lebow from Nashville, Tennessee..
I have wondered about tethered cord. I have been having a lot of pain in my tailbone. It did not show up on my MRI. Also I am sad to report my middle back pain has returned. I think I may have tried to do too much. I also now have a small knot at the lower end of my scar. Should I be concerned about this? I had decided I would give it a couple of days to see if it went away before I called a doctor. Does anyone have any advice on this?