Hello, all. I have a Chiari I malformation, 8 mm, found incidentally on MRI some years ago and not even disclosed to me at the time (!!). I discovered the MRI report while going through my papers recently and was blown away that the doctor hadn't thought to tell me about it.
I do have Chiari symptoms, but over these many years of not knowing I had Chiari, I've adapted to them and don't feel the need to manage them any better than I already do for now. What I am concerned about, though, is that I've been diagnosed with a fairly large dermoid cyst on one of my ovaries. I've seen a number of specialists and had many ultrasounds and MRIs, all of which indicate that it's probably not concerning, but it does need to be removed laparoscopically. It's causing me all sorts of pain and misery.
I'm beside myself with fear about the surgery - especially being anesthetized. Can anyone please advise me on the use of anesthesia in patients with Chiari? If anyone has had a similar experience - ovarian dermoid plus Chiari and/or terror of surgery plus Chiari - I'd be so grateful if you'd be willing to share your story with me.
Prior to my decompression surgery I had a few surgeries including gallbladder, tonsils, and a lymph node biopsy. I never had any trouble with anesthesia and in fact I seem to bounce back quicker than most people do. The good news is that anytime you are put under you are very well monitored. I would be more concerned if you were having an epidural as those are usually not recommended for chiari patients though I had one prior to being diagnosed.
Hopeful , I understand your concerns and want to tell you I'm sorry you're having to go through any of this. I myself am going to have a mass on my vaginal cuff checked out tomorrow, I guess they didn't like what the CT scan showed so we'll see. But back to the anesthesia, I never had any problems with it due to the Chiari. I've had my gallbladder removed and had an ovary removed that was fused to my uterus also had a Hysterectomy just to name a few. No problems with the anesthesia due to Chiari. you might want to mention that you have Chiari and ask them to be extra careful with your neck during the surgery. I'm wishing you the very best for a successful surgery and quick recovery. Stay strong:-)
Thanks, Anglyn and Kristi! Your responses have really helped calm me down about the anesthesia. I will certainly bring it up with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist (also on the advice of my GP, who also has no worries about it), and I will ask them to stay away from my spine and be careful of my neck. Incidentally, it's always been very painful for me to lean back against the sink to get my hair washed at the hairdressers. Even before I ever heard of Chiari, I'd ask for a pile of towels to lean against because that pain can last a week.
Kristi, I'm wishing you luck at the doctor. I hope everything goes OK. I've been so terrified by this cyst on my ovary, though I know they're quite common, usually not a cause for concern, and none of the specialists I've seen is worried about it. Still, when it's your body it can be hard to be comforted by statistics and reason.
I ace been put under many times both twighlight and deep for chiari and spine surgeries. I don’t have much advice or statistics for yo but just thought I would tell you - and yes this makes me sound really crazy. I love going under!!! You sort of float and even try to not but you just can’t. You drift off. And it such wonderful deep sleep. I have always woken easily more just angry that they didn’t let me sleep. Everything is monitored the entire time and it is very safe. And really kind of fun
Thanks, Anglyn and Kristi! Your responses have really helped calm me down about the anesthesia. I will certainly bring it up with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist (also on the advice of my GP, who also has no worries about it), and I will ask them to stay away from my spine and be careful of my neck. Incidentally, it's always been very painful for me to lean back against the sink to get my hair washed at the hairdressers. Even before I ever heard of Chiari, I'd ask for a pile of towels to lean against because that pain can last a week.
Kristi, I'm wishing you luck at the doctor. I hope everything goes OK. I've been so terrified by this cyst on my ovary, though I know they're quite common, usually not a cause for concern, and none of the specialists I've seen is worried about it. Still, when it's your body it can be hard to be comforted by statistics and reason.
Beeba and hevn, thank you! I'm sorry you've all had to have surgeries, but I do like hearing your stories. They make me feel so much calmer and more confident. It never occurred to me that I might even look forward to the anesthesia!
Kristi - any news from the doctor? Hope all's well.
So kind of yo to ask. I went to the OBGYN Friday and she was in a hurry so she did not examine me at all or even look at my papers, she said it's nothing to worry about because I'm too young to have anything serious. My other Dr's are not too happy about this, but what can you do, lol. I have a lot of other more serious pressing health issues currently, and even ended up in the ER on Sunday. Going in for a colonoscopy in the morning.
I'm glad to hear that we were able to help ease your mind about surgery. Is this your first surgery? If so, i can remember how nerve wracking it can be not knowing what to expect, but i can assure you it is a nice relaxing nap:-) If you are super nervous, there is something they can give you before they take you in that will take all your cares away. They did this to my husband once and it was so funny to watch, he didn't care about anything and kept asking if he could have a cheeseburger and cracking jokes. He had the nurses laughing we they wheeled him into the OR. I wish you the best and will keep you in my thoughts:-) Keep us posted, and wishing you the best for a speedy recovery:-) :-)
Hi Kristi - Thanks for that. I had a tonsillectomy when I was 5, but other than that I've been blessed with good health and luck. I'm hoping of course to keep it that way, so I've been really thrown for a loop about this cyst.
I hope you can see another gynecologist who takes your concerns seriously. There's little worse than not being taken seriously by a doctor. Even when they strongly suspect there's nothing wrong, they should still examine you and give you the appropriate tests if you wish. It's your body and your well being! Hope you feel better.
Kristi W. said:
Hopeful,
So kind of yo to ask. I went to the OBGYN Friday and she was in a hurry so she did not examine me at all or even look at my papers, she said it's nothing to worry about because I'm too young to have anything serious. My other Dr's are not too happy about this, but what can you do, lol. I have a lot of other more serious pressing health issues currently, and even ended up in the ER on Sunday. Going in for a colonoscopy in the morning.
I'm glad to hear that we were able to help ease your mind about surgery. Is this your first surgery? If so, i can remember how nerve wracking it can be not knowing what to expect, but i can assure you it is a nice relaxing nap:-) If you are super nervous, there is something they can give you before they take you in that will take all your cares away. They did this to my husband once and it was so funny to watch, he didn't care about anything and kept asking if he could have a cheeseburger and cracking jokes. He had the nurses laughing we they wheeled him into the OR. I wish you the best and will keep you in my thoughts:-) Keep us posted, and wishing you the best for a speedy recovery:-) :-)
I have had lots of surgeries and have had chiari,just had decompression 15 months ago.There was not any trouble with anesthesia in any of my surgeries,a little nausea but that didn’t lastlong,things have gotten better over time.The anesthesiologist will talk to you about the procedure,and answer any questions for you,maybe when you get ready for your surgery you can meet with the anesthesiologist a few days ahead to put your mind at ease.
