It's been a month since my surgery, and i'm still in quite a bit of pain. My family is telling me to just suck it up, and stick it out and go back to work, but i feel like its way to early for me to go back, and if im still in this much pain, its probably not a good idea....what do you guys think?
I've not had the surgery but I say listen to your body! You've had major surgery and I'm sure it's hard for your family to empathize having never been in your position but a month seems really soon. My coworker had outpatient hernia surgery and had two weeks off and then half days for another couple weeks. That is much less invasive.
When to go back to work is a personal decision that only you can make. Have you been released to go back to work? You need to listen to your body and doctor about what you need to be doing. Also, what type a job you have would also come into play.
I hope your family can get a clue and stop telling you these things because the stress does not help your recovery at all.
Has your pain been managed at all post op?
Diana
Hit them in the back of the head and then tell them this what you feel like. See if they want to go back to work!! YOU go back when you are ready and not before!! Big hugs to you. Stacey 
I'm sorry but there is always the possibility, as in my situation, that you won't be able to work again. I hope this is not your situation. But this whole Chiari thing just sucks. Just try to keep your chin up and don't start back till you are ready.
I wish so badly I would not have gone back to work as soon as I did. My Family Medical Leave thingy was up 5 weeks after my surgery and I ended up going back to work at 6.5 weeks just for that reason - so I could still have my job. Biggest...mistake.. EVER. It took me that much longer to heal and I still don't really have that much energy 9 months later.
I am like Tamarack & even though I tried I could never go back. It broke my heart & has about killed me. I think you should let your family read these posts. Medically most major surgery keeps people out from 6-12 weeks. Your bones won't fuse for 18 months. You are still healing. You will know when you are ready. I feel like a bowling ball is implanted in the back of my head that is bolted on my spine & my CM surgery was 9/26/2005. I wish our families and friends would be educated by other Chiarians so they will really know what to expect.