Friday was my NS appointment with Dr. Lennarson at the UNMC in Omaha, I was so nervous and expecting to be blown off. I was pleasantly surprized! Dr. L understood what i was going through, spent time explaining to my husband and I more about Chiari and walked us through my MRI. I was a blundering idiot asking question after question and he very gratiously answered every single one, even the kinda silly ones.
He brought out a model c-spine from the back of the skull down to the bottom of the c-spine to show us how the stem, vessels and nerves go through the forum magnum. It made so much more sense seeing how it all goes together, and in our case smushes in the tiny little hole. He did such a fabulous job showing us what is really going on in there!
After going over my scans he said he didn’t feel it was necessary to do the CINE flow test because he could see clearly on the MRI there is a blockage. He suggests decompression surgery, removing a small section of my scull at the forum magnum and part of c-1, then cutting in to the durra and place a patch to make room. His success rate for surgery elevating symptoms is between 85-90%. He was so honest about the unknown with Chiari and did not claim to know everything. This leads me to believe he is understanding when a patient comes in, even with strange symptoms possibly related to CM, like all my random symptoms!
I guess long story short, we really liked Dr. Lennarson and will be moving forward with surgery. I need to call Monday to schedule the surgery, probably some time at the end of April or beginning of May. Although I am not looking forward to the hospital stay in Omaha or the drive back and fourth or the weeks of pain, I AM looking forward to getting my life back!
My husband, being the jokester he is, asked me if he could keep the piece of skull they cut out? Um ewww. But that’s just how he thinks I guess! Lol.
I just thought I would share my positive experience to give others hope…there are good doctors out there so don’t give up just because your first didn’t know his head from his tail! I was having a panic attack on my way to the appointment because I have read so many bad stories about NS blowing CM off. It just takes the right NS!!!
Glad to hear your experience went well. Keep us informed on when the surgery is. Best of luck
Krissy Ann,
I’m so glad that you found a NS that is kind, understanding, and knowledgable about Chiari. I am so happy for you:) Please keep us posted on your surgery. When you have a date, you should add it to our events, so we can all share our thoughts and prayers:)
Crystal