Hello—
I’m having Chiari decompression surgery in a month. I’m wondering what recovery is like the days you are in the hospital and the first week after. Can you walk? Do you have a catheter? Can you eat? Just want to be prepared.
Thanks much!
Katy
Hi KatyP. It seems like everyone’s Chiari surgery experience is different. Some people do great. I’ve heard of some people being discharged after 24 hours.
I personally had a rough couple of wks after surgery. I was offered a sandwich the evening of my surgery, but my mouth was too dry to eat it. I could eat ok by the next morning. Yes, I had a catheter. They inserted mine while I was under anesthesia. I had an IV in one arm and a blood gas monitor device in my other arm. I woke up with a drain in my incision. I don’t remember exactly when I started walking again. It was definitely after 24 hours. I was incredibly dizzy though, so I had to have help for about the first week. I then had to use a cane for about another 3 or 4 days. I ended up staying in the hospital for 5 nights. I slept a lot the first wk and a half after surgery. I really just didn’t feel good, and I needed a lot of help from my family.
Good luck and I hope the surgery relieves your symptoms. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m getting ready to have a revision surgery at the end of July. I made the mistake of not seeing a Chiari specialist for my first surgery.
Thank you for sharing this information! It’s really helpful. Good luck on your next surgery 
Hi Katyp, first of all best of luck for your upcoming surgery. I’d agree that everyone’s story seems to be different. I was in hospital for a week after mine. My surgery was on a Friday morning and I mostly slept through the whole weekend afterwards. I’d had a catheter placed in during surgery too that stayed in over the weekend. Once that was out I was fine to use the bathroom and go short walks in the corridor with physio. I had a lot of sickness initially from the surgery but it settled within that week.
Overall I’d say try and rest as much as possible for as long as possible! I found if I did too much, the next day my sickness/nausea would return and that was tough, but you will get there.
Hi Mary2, thanks for responding. It’s really helpful to hear about other people’s experiences!! I appreciate the well wishes too 
Hi Katyp,
I was in the hospital for 8 days after my surgery. Like others, I had a catheter inserted once I was under anesthesia. When I woke up after surgery, the first thing I remember is that all light was extremely painful. I had to keep a towel over my eyes the first few days. I was also very dizzy and could not stand without help. Once they took the catheter out, I was able to get up to go to the bathroom, but not without the help of a nurse and a walker. I think it was about 5 days after surgery that a physical therapy nurse came by and get me up and walking short distances. I came home with a walker and needed a family member with me 24x7 for the first month to ensure I didn’t fall at home. Note: I was almost 50 years old when I had my surgery, and was told my recovery would be harder because I was older. (LOL). But, I would definitely do it all over again, as the thing that was gone when I woke up were my chiari headaches.
Best wishes to you as you prepare for your upcoming surgery.
Suzie
Thanks, Suzie! I’m sorry your recovery was long. I appreciate your response and well wishes!
Katy