So tomorrow I go see a neurosurgeon for the first time. I'm terrified but glad it's FINALLY happening. I am in so much pain..... every. single. day. I feel as if I've been getting worse over the past several months. I also now occaisonally have an annoying numbness in my legs and arms. It never lasts very long, but the weakness is irritating. I haven't had a headache-free day in..... well, I cannot remember. I don't know what it feels like anymore to not be in pain. Medications don't help, no matter what new painkiller my general doctor throws at me. Excedrin Migraine used to offer a great deal of help---- that's why, until last fall, I never sought help for my migraines. After I began getting them more frequently and the pills stopped helping, I did something about it and got my dx.
Anyway, now I've done months of constant research, and I finally got the appointment with the NS (my neurologist kept putting off referring me) and tomorrow is the big day. I'm normally patient, but I'm getting antsy and anxious. Does anyone have any advice? What should I expect tomorrow? I've been told nothing, only given basic paperwork to fill out. Please, I'll be less scared if I know what might happen. Will it be like a normal doctor's appt? Should I find out tomorrow about surgery? I DO want surgery. I can't live with all this pain and function simultaneously. Any advice is very much appreciated!!
I live just outside of Tulsa Oklahoma in Broken Arrow. Are you going to Tulsa or OKC? I have seen a few in Tulsa. private message me if you want… Def recommend recording the conversation. There is a good list on the discussion page somewhere that was really helpful. I just went to The Wisconsin Chiari Center and really recommend them… I couldn’t find an Oklahoma Dr that really knew enough like the Chiari center. Good luck… Jamie
@ChiariPT: Thank you! I’ll start working on a list now. It’s nice to know a vague idea of what’s going to happen.
@Lyanna: I have a friend in Broken Arrow! Her dad is an Optometrist. I live in Cordell, which is tiny and irrelevant and most people have never even heard of it. It’s near weatherford. I’m going to OU Children’s in OKC and my doctor will be Dr. Rabb. Have you ever heard of him? I’ve read his bio on OUs site, but it didn’t tell me much. He doesn’t specialize in chiari like one of the other neurosurgeons there does, so I don’t know quite why he got my case. I hope he can help. I’m not sure how much my input matters in this situation, but I have tried everything and I have no relief, and I believe my best option is surgery. Surely that will matter somewhat in his decision on what to do?
It’s so relieving to know that as far as surgery goes, this one is simple. I feel 100 times better knowing that! What did you mean by “since his partner is a specialist…” He has a partner? Sorry, this is all new to me, haha I’m learning everything as I go.