Hi everyone, I am 35 years old and I was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I’ve been battling migraines my entire life as far back as I can remember. I own a dance school where I teach ballet, tap, jazz modern, hip hop etc. I was teaching a class about 2 and a half weeks ago when my fingers started to tingle and then I lost feeling in my entire right arm. The following Monday I woke up with the worse pressure migraine of my life and that was the day I was diagnosed with Chiari. I was in the hospital for about 9 days and they just kept treating me for the headache. I’m still in a lot of pain daily but I can’t get in to see the neurosurgeon for a consultation for about 8 weeks.
Welcome Az! I’m sure there are quite a few people here who can relate to what you’ve been though, and you are going through now. Things are a bit quiet here in the community (it often happens on weekends), but I’m sure someone from the Chiari group will reach out to you soon.
Make yourself at home here: if you have any questions, try using the magnifying glass icon near the top right to find the threads we have on file. Or start your own thread! We’re glad that you joined us, and we hope you will be too.
Seenie from Moderator Support
Hi Angel,
I was diagnosed in Dec. I have found this site to be very helpful and supportive. It’s the only one I am on. Lots of good up to date info. Read my profile to get my life story. I decided not to have surgery, it was recommended. I also have cervical spinal stenosis. I am be careful and wear a collar at times to help with pain. You will find that not that many people know what Chiari is, even nurses. It took a very long time of suffering (25yrs), and 6 MRIs, before I was diagnosed. My first Mri was in 95, not one radiologist saw the herniation until 2012 and then my primary Dr did not see the report, or saw it and didn’t think it was an issue and didn’t tell me. Went to get Botox for Migraines in Dec and the neurologist told me he saw it on an 2012 MRI scan. Don’t think you have to have surgery, it’s risky, I’m 54, have lots of issues. I can do housework, watch my grandkids, drive. It could be worse, if it gets worse I gave the option of surgery. I am very lucky I don’t have to work. When I am in pain, dizzy, have a migraine I can nap, sleep as long as I need, rest when I need to. This has really helped. Talk to you soon. Praying for you, Tina from WI