Hello everyone. I have my consult appointment with the NS tomorrow, and I was wondering what things I should bring up with the doctor tomorrow. Any help would be appreciated, because even though I have an idea of things to mention I worry I will forget something important. Aside from checking in for responses I will be sure to update you on what happened at the appointment. Thanks everyone!
Thank's Abby that list is amazing! I really appreciate you taking the time to write it, as there is alot in there that I otherwise would not have thought to ask. I will make sure to check back tomorrow and let everyone know what the doctors said. Thanks again!
Update: I had my first appointment with my NS today and it seems like this may be a longer road than I had first foreseen. I have to start a new medication, because the doctor worries I may be more susceptible to infection, and have a full spinal MRI done. After that I am supposed to go back for another follow up appointment. We have not discussed me having the surgery so much as the details of the surgery, and even then it seems to have left more questions unanswered. After I get these next things done, I was told I would most likely need to do a pre-op work up. All in all the appointment has left me with mixed feelings about things. On the one hand I know I need the surgery, but on the other it seems like an incredibly daunting task is ahead of me, and this mountain looks like Everest. I will continue to climb, but it's a long way to the top. Thanks for reading everyone, and I hope all is well!
Hi Joker. I’m new here but not to chiari. Have you already had your CINE MRI to see if you have an obstruction? That’s the tell all most of the time. Did your doc say if you have any of the related diseases like EDS, POTS, Tethered Cord etc…? It’s better to know if you do before surgery so they know how to proceed during surgery.
I truly hope your process goes smoother than some of ours have. You are in my prayers. Please let us know what you find out.
I do not believe I have had a CINE MRI yet, but I have had a couple done recently, and they do show a large syrinx, I believe from C1- T2-T3 area, and the NS I saw yesterday doesn't believe I have EDS. I have to do another MRI or set of MRIs because he wants a full spinal MRI from me so he can find out about Tethered Cord. As far as other related conditions I think that the doctor plans on waiting for the next set of MRIs to go from there. I plan on making sure we go over everything because I am hoping for things to go well. The doctor did warn me my symptoms may not change, and I may need more that one surgery. I hope not, but only time will tell.
Hi Joker,
I'm glad you finally got into a NS. It sounds like he/she is being thorough and that is a good thing. Please keep us updated.