My "go to" quote..."What a difference a day makes"...isn't that the truth! Years of headaches, motion sickness and dizziness mixed with a lack of medical insurance for 12 years (until a year ago!) does not a good mix make!
I have been a self-employed hair stylist for the last 12 years and was unable to obtain medical insurance because of pre-existing conditions (2 lumbar laminectomies years ago). Well a year ago, because of the new insurance laws passed I was able to get PCIP (Pre-existing insurance plan) which has been amazing...and would eventually lead me to where I am now...with a Chiari diagnosis...finally answers...and alot of new questions!
So here I am with a diagnosis and finding alot of differing information and not really knowing what to do with it yet. This has all happened so fast...I found out I had Chiari (7mm) three days ago from my PCP...she has spoken with a local Neurosurgeon who wants to see me ASAP...I now have and appointment with him next Tuesday. I want to ask specific questions to make sure he is the right doctor for me...I need to know what to ask him (besides the obvious)...can anyone give me good questions. I have seen differing information about the surgery...whether to just do the decompression by removing the portion of the skull or doing duraplasty also or laminectomy and reducing the tonsillar herniations...PLEASE HELP...I'm confused and I don't want to have to have repeat procedures!