I had skull decompression done on April 13th, 2011. I have recently come out as transgender to my parents. They seem to think that the Chiari Malformation is making me feel the way I do. Has anyone ever heard of there being a correlation between the two, or are my parents making stuff up? I have been diagnosed by a psychologist and have seen a endocrinologist. None of them seem to think the two are related.
Hi Scottftm:
1st off , I want to thank you for opening yourself up to us....To answer your question about the relationship between Chiari and Gender Identity...I am so sorry that I no input on that other than my personal belief..which is that we are all born unique and I personally do not think that gender identity is a choice..I think we are born the way we are suppose to be..However, now you got me wanting to Google this and see if there has been any research on the subject...Let you know if I come up with anything.
So happy that you are feeling good Chiari wise and that you support from your wife...so important to have support.
This group is super supportive...I am sure you will find the same! Glad you are here!
You're brave for coming out to your parents! Now, I have no expertise in this area...just a 14 year old daughter who recently underwent a decompression. If she came out to me as transgender, tying it to CM wouldn't even cross my mind as I would not ever think the two are associated. Besides, I had heard (like through NPR or other sources, in passing) that if any part of the brain is related to sexual orientation, it may be in the hypothalamus. There are a lot of theories though like chromosonal or pheromones. Whatever that means! Either way, the brain stem is more the breathing, blood pressure, heart rate kind of regulator.
Good luck with everything and sooooo nice to have a loving wife! Happy to hear that!
The two absolutely are not in any way related. Tell your parents Chiari is a Physiological Malformation that developed in the neural tube gestational process. Some do believe you can develop Chiari after an accident, but that is hard to prove. Your sexual orientation or identity has nothing to do with your Chiari Malformation. They are just in denial and looking for something to blame. I am really sorry. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. Just know this is a wonderful Forum with great Members & we understand and will be there for you.
Tracy Z.
Wow. That is quite a leap! I agree with the others that there is no connection with Chiari and that your parents may be just grasping at straws. Do you think maybe they would be willing to go to a support group for parents/families of LGBT persons? It might help if they have others to talk to. This group helps us all with our Chiari so maybe a group like that could help your parents :)