I have my symptoms of Chiari since I was 11. I’m now 27 & was diagnosed last yr with a 5-6mm herniation. When I started with kaiser all they did was prescribe pain meds. 3yrs later my symptoms r worsening & all they wanna do is say the meds r making me worse:/ I know I’ve had these symptoms well before I ever tried a narcotic. However they keep saying my Chiari is not bad enuf for surgery. I’m sick of them treating me like an addict & I know that the size does not matter when it comes to Chiari. However lately I’ve been so depressed that I’ve started to doubt myself. Could the pain meds be making feel like its getting worse when it’s not??
I'm so sorry you're doubting yourself. I know it's hard when everyone is telling you it's all in your head. It could be that your body is adjusting to the meds and it takes more/different kinds to feel better. Take a few days for yourself, if you can. Cry if you need to. Yell if you need to. Then get back in the game! You are in charge of your health care. If your doctors aren't giving you what you need - be it support, medicine, or surgery - tell them so. If they still don't respond, find a new doctor. If I recall, you have one of the stricter insurances, right? Call them and ask what you need to do to be seen by a Chiari specialist. Research the ones closest to you and see if they take your insurance. It takes work and sometimes you have to dig in your heels and stand up for yourself.
Good luck!
Katrina W.