Hi all…
I’m a 35 yr old wife and mother of 2. I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation mid September. Finally I had someone listen to me and send me for an MRI. My brain is extended on the left 7mm and the right 8mm. I am having surgery on the 20th of this month. I’m posting to ask what should I exspect after surgery? I am scared, but I am ready. Also, is there anything I should take to the hospital for the stay or for after I come home? Any helpful pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you❤
First of all good luck and I hope all goes well for you; after surgery you can expect possible nausea (I didn’t have this but others have), you will have some pain but they will be giving you pain killers antacids and stool softeners. Do not hesitate to use the push call button when you are feeling any pain or stiffness. Stiff neck is something i experienced and they will give you a hot pack or cold pack if you ask for it. I do not think there is anything you need to take to the hospital but for when you go home you may want a pillow to prop yourself up where your able to sit up without much problems and pillows that are not to hard(stiff) because I felt those hurt for me they had to be not the hard and not so soft because if they are really soft I didn’t get the support my head needed/needs and my neck hurt/hurts. My surgery was Oct 5th and am still on restrictions which you will have restrictions but it should only be until the follow up appointment which is given for 4-6 weeks post-op. If you experience ANY symptoms you are unsure of when you go home call the home visiting nurse that will be checking up on you; especially fevers, unusual pains, I developed a rash due to allergic reaction to a medicine.