After Michelle's recent post, she has motivated me to post the same.
Surgery took place on Wedneday 14th March 2012.
Recently diagnosed. 15mm decent. Total Fluid blockage. Compressing C1 and C2 Verebrate.
Always had chronic neck pain, insomnia and headaches since very young age and never knew why.
6 months ago started suffering severe vertigo and impulse headaches. Told it was vertigo. Then 3 months ago told it was an ear infection. Deterioration occurred, to the point of chronic neck/back pain, insomnia, dizziness, vertigo, vommitting every morning, nauseous, impulse headaches when coughing/hiccups/laughing/bending/, trouble swallowing, blacking out. Return to the doctor. Went through blood work, diabetes tests, CT scans, eye appointments, heart monitor tests, all to which came up clear. New GP persisted with an MRI in case and other testing. MRI found the Chiari 1 Malformation.
Referral was made to private but he made it clear any additional symptoms head to an Emergency Department.
Woke on the Saturday after seeing the GP on the Monday with left arm totally numb and pins and needles in the hand. Decided to visit the ED, spent 4 days in hospital trying to understand what this was and realising that surgery was the only option to stop deteriation any further. As it was the public system, the surgeon was going away for two weeks and surgery was booked to be elective but urgent and his first for his return.
Sent home to wait for two weeks and process what is this, and what was to happen.
The next weekend, symptoms had increased to the right arm pins and needles and numb, lost all taste and ability to tell hot and cold in my mouth, lost sensation in lips and felt the numbness like a tooth had been removed, and lost sensation around the external face line. Blurred Vision and Double Vision. The pain was unmanaged and vommitting extreme. Called the hospital and they had me come back in. Spent another 5 hours there before being released with altered medications. 4 more days till surgery and the countdown really was on. Left cheek then went numb and then the left eye lid. Only 2 days out from surgery so just kept going.
Had surgery 14th March 2012 and news is all really positive. Doctors said at least a week in hospital, but out on Day 4. Doctors made it very clear you would throw up for three days straight and that recovery is horrible but after day 3 it is like a tap turns off anf things will get eeasier. Please to say No vomiting post surgery and eating night 1. Anthestic was a bit part in this I believe and being clear with them pre surgery to give the right meds. Pain has been manageable although a struggle, but it is very early days and thats ok. Most sensations have returned although strength in hands and legs is definately needing work and some feeling is still missing in face and eye lid, but taste etc has returned which they were not sure would.
Staples came out on Day 10 and finally on Day 12 they let me wash my hair for the first time..
Each day is a new day, some days easier then the one before. Some more painful then the one before, but always a lttle tiring and realising where the limit is and trying not to over do it.
At 3 weeks, I am finding I can walk around the block every second day, ride 10 minutes on an exercise bike low resistance every second day, and basically just day to day eating, sleeping, showering, etc.
Post op appointment is not till 8 1/2 weeks to see the surgeon so no work or driving until this time.
Medications are currently Dexamethasone, Stemitil, and using Panadol and Panadine on rotation depending on the pain. Panadine Forte on standby for Stronger pain days.
I'm not good at adding Photos to this with Comments, but the three photos, if they work properly are:
1. In the hospital with the bandage on
2. With the staples in
3. 3 weeks post Op
Surgery truly has been the best thing that I have done and at this stage do not regret it at all..
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