I was recently diagnosed with Chiari. I have a 6mm herniation. My father is no financial help as I go see doctor after doctor for this or that and my mother (a nurse) thinks its not that big of a deal . I do not want a pity party but I would like to know if a 6mm herniation is large enough to cause my symptoms. I have had constant painful headaches and dizziness. Every time I move suddenly or stand my vision goes black and pixels back in and the headaches are so constant. Over the last three weeks I have started seeing floaters every minute. So after the long winded message my main question is…is 6mm large enought o be causing these symptoms? My family and friends seem to think im exaggeratiing but I know what I feel.
It is not the size of the herniation, but the symptoms. Find a NS that really listens to you, unfortunately family often doesn’t understand. Good luck
Do my symptoms match that of common chiari symptoms? I havent seen the dizzy spells or black out vision on any websites
…or floaters?
You have to understand that no two people symptoms are alike! A true Chiari Specialist understands this and will look at the WHOLE picture and will be able to tell by the tests that you have already had done and with some additional ones just what symptoms he thinks the Chiari is actually causing..
Do u not have health insurance??
I'm sorry your parents don't understand what you are going through.. BUT someone without headaches or numbness or nausea or blurry vision ect. DOESN'T know (not making excuses for them) they should however be more empathetic!
Oh and issues with your eyes is common with Chiari and so is dizzy spells! I don't get dizzy I get light headed..
I hope you get some answers
Jen
Lranz,
I have a 6 mm herniation and I too have all of the symptoms you have and more. I was told by my neurosurgeon that my symptoms are b/c of the Chiari - but I may not be symptomatic enough for surgery - so we are playing the waiting game to see if symptoms improve w/ activity. So far activity doesn't make it worse and I've had fewer really really bad days, but none of my symptoms have subsided either....
Just my thoughts...
Carrie :)
I do have health insurance but the co payments are enough to do me in, I am a college student. My father calls to make sure the bill is not being sent to him not to see how I am doing. I have an appointment set up in october to see a chiari specialist in charleston sc but I wish i didnt have to wait so long to be seen
luvmy2grls said:
You have to understand that no two people symptoms are alike! A true Chiari Specialist understands this and will look at the WHOLE picture and will be able to tell by the tests that you have already had done and with some additional ones just what symptoms he thinks the Chiari is actually causing..
Do u not have health insurance??
I'm sorry your parents don't understand what you are going through.. BUT someone without headaches or numbness or nausea or blurry vision ect. DOESN'T know (not making excuses for them) they should however be more empathetic!
Oh and issues with your eyes is common with Chiari and so is dizzy spells! I don't get dizzy I get light headed..
I hope you get some answers
Jen
Hi,,
Sorry you are dealing with all the Chiari problems plus family to boot!!
My herniation was 5mm and I was decompressed 3 yrs ago....your Sx's certainly sound Chiari related to me..I have visual issue that still wax an wane.
I know, Co-Pays are unreal...
Keep us posted on whats going on.
Lori
They definitely sound like Chiari to me. I have horrible dizzy spells, my whole vision goes blurry if I move my head quickly, standing up and sitting down hurts my head and causes dizziness, confusion, headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling in my arms and face...and on and on and mine is 5mm. My Dr. is already talking surgery after we try a few meds to see if they help first, since I'm not really wanting surgery.
I hope you're able to find a Dr. that understands. Definitely seek a specialist in it because other dr.'s just do NOT understand this disorder.
I have a 2 mm herniation and my NL told me that there is no way its causing my problems. My NS on the other hand said its possible that its causing my issues and gave me the option to have surgery. I get tingling in my hands and fingers, the dizziness, i have serious issues with my vision most days and like I said, only a 2 mm herniation for me.
My dad doesn't understand or help out financially either, he shuts down when I try to tell him what I'm going through. If hes being really anal about it I just tell him that I didn't choose this and its not my fault.
I hope things go better for you <3
NieNie0326 said:
I have a 2 mm herniation and my NL told me that there is no way its causing my problems. My NS on the other hand said its possible that its causing my issues and gave me the option to have surgery. I get tingling in my hands and fingers, the dizziness, i have serious issues with my vision most days and like I said, only a 2 mm herniation for me.
My dad doesn't understand or help out financially either, he shuts down when I try to tell him what I'm going through. If hes being really anal about it I just tell him that I didn't choose this and its not my fault.
I hope things go better for you <3
Mr daughters ns is sunel Patel at musc in charleston
NieNie0326 said:
I have a 2 mm herniation and my NL told me that there is no way its causing my problems. My NS on the other hand said its possible that its causing my issues and gave me the option to have surgery. I get tingling in my hands and fingers, the dizziness, i have serious issues with my vision most days and like I said, only a 2 mm herniation for me.
My dad doesn’t understand or help out financially either, he shuts down when I try to tell him what I’m going through. If hes being really anal about it I just tell him that I didn’t choose this and its not my fault.
I hope things go better for you <3
6mm is decent imo...I've heard of people having surgery on less. I'm not sure about what doctors you have seen and who you plan on continuing to see but I would highly suggest you first find a good family doctor. Someone who is at the center of it all and will back you up 100% on every thing. My GP is my lifesaver, he knows NOTHING about chiari or neurosurgery, and has referred me to a number of terrible surgeons and other doctors, but I can be honest with him and most importantly, he BELIEVES me.
Also, a good doctor that wants to HELP you, won't charge you an arm and a leg for an appointment if you can't afford it. Tell them you can't afford your co-pay and see if they will waive it because you really need help. Write letters to different neurosurgeon's in your area, explain your symptoms and your beliefs of what is going on (include any test results you have), do whatever you need to do that will cost you less and hopefully get you the attention you need.