Today I am five weeks post-op: decompression, C-1 laminectomy, tonsillar cautery, duraplasty. I got it all done, because my syrinx was causing me measurable nerve damage.
I was lucky enough to go into surgery pretty healthy, and am pleased to report I'm feeling pretty good. I'm down to only one muscle relaxant and two anti-inflammatories a day, did my first post-op drive today, and even had a TINY bit of a swimming workout. I am still trying to take it slowly, but I really am feeling very close to my old normal.
I would encourage others to keep posting with good news and good results.
This site is so wonderful and supportive for those who are having trouble! Sadly, though, this can mean that those of us beginning our journey with Chiari see far more of the trouble, and far less of the good side of things. We consider surgery--we have surgery--in hopes it will help.
Surgery seems to have helped me. I know longer fear a slow descent into paralysis.
Recovery from surgery has been up-and-down, but pretty darn good on the whole.
If you need treatment, or if you have surgery scheduled, I wish you the best of luck and the best of results.
Again, please remember to (occasionally) celebrate a victory or two with us all. It will make it all the less scary for those just starting on this road to a healthier life.
Very good. I am glad to hear positive news. hearing good news like this makes me feel that one done I will be there after they are done poking and prodding again.
Your good news keeps the light at the end of the tunnel on for all of us. As they say at Motel 8 "we'll keep a light on for ya" well keep the light on at the end of the positive recovery tunnel cause we're coming too
I planned to do what I expected would be and easy workout of half the shortest normal distance I would swim. (Normal workouts used to be 2000 meters on a short day, so I was going to try 1000m.) I went very slowly, very easy, and decided to get out after only 500 meters.
Still, I think I may have actually elevated my heart rate for the first time since early June! I'll try to swim again later in the week, after I evaluate how I feel.
I can't tell you how great it is to be beginning to feel like myself again. I hope and pray many more of us will regain strength and begin to live without pain.
Hang in there, everyone, and thanks for your kind words.
Beeba said:
That is great news!! So happy that things are going well. Do make sure you go slow starting out. We definitely need more positive stories. You give hope to many. Continue to get better. I do think that those who stay on here do so because they continue to have issues - and when ya feel good who wants to think more about being sick. If more like you stay it can give another side to that story. Giving help and hope to others when you feel good has it's own rewards. Thanks for sharing a good story.