There was an interesting discussion posted just the other day on the effect that Chiari has had on the working employed Chiarian. I was fortunate enough to have been a stay at home mom before being diagnosed last year and still am today after my decompression surgery last year also. Of course it’s not the case for many. But even then, as a stay at home mom, I feel that Chiari has changed my life drastically. At times I can’t even begin to tell you what hurts more or how bad I feel. I can’t do many of the things I used with the kids, like take walks outside. I feel at times overwhelmed with emotions. I stress myself thinking I can conquer Chiari by just positive thinking, but then I have the hardest time trying to do the smallest everyday things. Like trying to do laundry, wash dishes, cook, clean or shower, just to name a few. They tire me out, standing gets me dizzy and watching a movie with the kids gets my neck hurting so bad and ultimately gives me a headache, something about noise that I just can’t tolerate.
I have come to the realization that I just may not ever be the same as I used to be before Chiari entered my life. And the thought of me going back to work once the kids got older, it’s starting to become something that I just may not ever do. I don’t think my life is over, but I definitely think this invisible disability has changed my life.