As it says in my profile, I am waiting until December to get surgery because if I do it now, I will have to add another year to my Masters program. So, until then, does anyone have any tricks to managing the symptoms and managing anxiety while waiting for surgery? I saw that some of you waited a few months after being diagnosed to get surgery, and I was just wondering if you guys had insight on how I can make the wait a little more bearable.
Thanks again for all the support - My pre-op appt is on Tuesday & I will keep you all posted :)
I take medications daily & many as needed. I had an advanced CM & C Spine issue. I guess you should just talk to your NS & tell him you are trying to make it through this semester and tell him your symptoms and ask if he recommends any medication or therapies that will give you an edge over your symptoms. Sometimes NS don't like to write prescriptions, but ask him if he will & if not a NL or your PCP will. My PCP has been incredible through my whole situation. I have educated him throughout my journey. He Should be a Chiari Specialist, he knows more than most "specialist" I have seen in the past. Also, your back pack is very hard on your shoulders and neck. Especially if you just throw it over one shoulder. This can cause CM issues. I wouldn't carry anything heavy if I were you. You can also ck with a Nutritionist. Night shade plants add to inflammation & pain., so does dairy & gluten/wheat. Stress makes Chiari Headaches much worse. I am trying to think of things other than medication that will help, but do not be afraid to ask for medication, if you need it. Theses things will just help. Stay hydrated, be careful working out. Don't do anything too strenuous. I am just trying to think of things that will help you get through the next few months.
Great advise from Tracy and Emmaline. I take Vitamins to help me and the back pack tip from Tracy is a big one. They have those rolling ones now that are great. There's a natural remedy called Rescue Remedy that take the edge off of my nervous energy. It's a Bach Flower Essence.
I have used different types of meditation and relaxation techniques over the years. My favorite is a color meditation visualization. An accupuncturist showed it to me years ago. It uses color to help you concentrate on something else and relax. Regular meditation you have a word (mantra) that you say over and over again to relax and clear your brain. That doesn't usually work for me because all the thoughts keep popping up. The one I like asigns colors to parts of your body and you visualize it and ask for healing energy to be sent there. It's really nice. I'm sure you can find it on the web or a disc or a download. Let me know if you can't and I'll look for one. There is a lot of great visualization/relaxation discs many that use music and they all work to a certain extent. You just need to find one that you enjoy. You would be surprised how much 20 minutes a day doing some type of relaxation will help you.
For something very short my therapist showed something that has helped me alot through the years and it's VERY simple. I found a 3 minute video of the technique on Youtube. You can do it sitting, standing or lying down. I don't know why it works but it does.
Have you tried yoga? Yoga helped me more than any medication. I tried xanax, but my body reacted toooooo strongly too it and turned me off of using medication at all.
Your feelings are normal. Maybe try to turn your anxiety into excitement at the thought of your new life post surgery? Way easier said than done, I know.
Either way, good luck to you! I hope you figure it out you’ll do great!
Yoga is actually my life saver! The only thing that keeps me sane. My NS said I could continue to do it as long as I don't put pressure on my neck. However, with my loss of balance and muscle strength, I have been falling out of poses so it's been very frustrating.
Thanks so much for your reply!
Lmnembhart@gmail.com said:
Have you tried yoga? Yoga helped me more than any medication. I tried xanax, but my body reacted toooooo strongly too it and turned me off of using medication at all. Your feelings are normal. Maybe try to turn your anxiety into excitement at the thought of your new life post surgery? Way easier said than done, I know. Either way, good luck to you! I hope you figure it out :) you'll do great!
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I really appreciate it.
wendyanne said:
Michellelynn,
Great advise from Tracy and Emmaline. I take Vitamins to help me and the back pack tip from Tracy is a big one. They have those rolling ones now that are great. There's a natural remedy called Rescue Remedy that take the edge off of my nervous energy. It's a Bach Flower Essence.
I have used different types of meditation and relaxation techniques over the years. My favorite is a color meditation visualization. An accupuncturist showed it to me years ago. It uses color to help you concentrate on something else and relax. Regular meditation you have a word (mantra) that you say over and over again to relax and clear your brain. That doesn't usually work for me because all the thoughts keep popping up. The one I like asigns colors to parts of your body and you visualize it and ask for healing energy to be sent there. It's really nice. I'm sure you can find it on the web or a disc or a download. Let me know if you can't and I'll look for one. There is a lot of great visualization/relaxation discs many that use music and they all work to a certain extent. You just need to find one that you enjoy. You would be surprised how much 20 minutes a day doing some type of relaxation will help you.
For something very short my therapist showed something that has helped me alot through the years and it's VERY simple. I found a 3 minute video of the technique on Youtube. You can do it sitting, standing or lying down. I don't know why it works but it does.
Although I did not have to wait until my surgery, I was extremely anxious about it. My advice is to stay busy to keep your mind off of it, but don't do so many things that you are stressed out! Stress really does a number on our bodies as well as our minds. As far as pain, talk to your doctor on Tuesday and ask for some guidance with pain relievers. If you are studying, you don't want to be groggy:)
I use Rescue Remedy, sometimes prescription anxiety meds, I keep busy with crafty stuff or books or whatever.
I'm in a similar situation - I have one more quarter to go before graduating with my transfer AA but my doctor has yanked my driving and work privileges. It looks like I'm going to have to wait to graduate... :( Sucks, but what are you gonna do, right?
you’ll do great!