Just saw my PCP today. She is not convinced I need the surgery and wants me to see a neurologist first. So, until then, my surgery is postponed. I do feel a little better doing that cuz I was told in 10 min. that surgery could benefit me. So...2nd opinion sounds wise.
I just got sold on the 85%-95% better and was all starry eyed at the prospect. I guess that is what a good PCP is for: to knock some sense into your head! Lol I may end up doing the surgery but this way I will be 100% SURE I need it.
Take your time and get as many opinions are you can. Make sure your PCP and neurologist are knowledgeable about Chiari and consider seeing a neurosurgeon as they see the most Chiari cases. Just because you consult with a neurosurgeon doesn't mean they'll automatically recommend surgery, just that they are usually the ones most qualified to tell you whether or not you will benefit.
I absolutely am not telling you to not trust your PCP. It's very possible that she has studied up and knows about the condition. I just know that my PCP for instance didn't know a lot about Chiari and only had one other patient with it who had a rough recovery...therefore she kept telling me the surgery would be too painful to be worth it. Turns out I had a very easy recovery and my situation wasn't anything like her other patient so now my PCP admits that she really doesn't know enough about the condition to advise.
Best wishes to you whatever you decide! The most important thing is to trust your instincts and how you feel! If you are getting worse keep pressing to get answers!
Thanks guys. I think she def'n has my best interest in mind. She said if I need the surgery and the benefits outweigh the risks than by all means go ahead. She just said that with my fibromyalgia and other symptoms I have (such as some disc disease) she is not sure that it is all Chiari and wants me to make an informed decision before she says it is a good idea.
She is a very careful Dr. and wants to do the surgery if I need it and will feel better from it.
The Specialist I saw did not say that much in his notes.
So, he basically said I have an 85%-95% success rate. And did not indicate I would get worse.
So I am a little confused as to what is going on. I hear it does get worse and I feel like I am getting worse as far as the burning, dizziness/vertigo and the pressure in my ears and head are pretty constant. I get used to stuff though. I just try not to talk about it etc...and I feel like my life is going along at the dictation of this "thing" that determines how I feel each day.
Just want to make sure the "thing" is indeed Chiari. That's all. If I get surgery I will feel more sure that I have a chance at improving the symptoms that are bothering me.
We shall see. I may get it or I may not. In the meantime I am sick! I have a bad cold and on a Z-pack (a little wheezing in the lungs and an angry ear! lol).
I am being treated for the lump in my throat which is a swollen vocal chord from silent reflux: Prilosec 20mg am and 1 hr before dinner, Zantac 150mg before bed. It seems to be helping already.
Thanks so much for your replies! I just am feeling confused by conflicting info and need to sort it all out.
Hi…
Do you have an appt set up with a neurologist ? Let us know how you make out. Take care.