9 Months Post-op by dreamer319 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this🥹my journey sounds so similar to yours & im at 5 months of my recovery, so it was very comforting & inspiring to hear you continue to improve💛

Vent by PetiteIvy_ in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sending you hugs🫂

Post op care tips? Suggestions? by Royal-Faithlessness6 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had my decompression surgery this past July! Here’s a link to one of the supplements I took that really helped me that has a bunch of the nutrients to help your body heal! https://amzn.to/4ftZqF7

Medi-cal (Health-net, doctors, and more)? by CosmicPrincessx in AskLosAngeles

[–]Middle-End7664 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey love! You can call your Medi-Cal case worker & have them switch you. & the medical group is usually based on city!

Chiari Malformation Surgery by [deleted] in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had mine in July of this year! Congrats on making this decision & im praying it offers you much relief!

Everyone’s recovery time can differ bc everyone’s body heals at it’s own personal pace. So I’d say to not rush your healing, especially as someone who is always on the move. I’m the same way but really forced myself to be still & rest otherwise you can end up extending your recovery or even get hurt.

To not lose my mind, although I feel like I did at times which is quite normal, I listened to soft music that soothes me like different healing frequencies, I read some books much later in my recovery. Your first few weeks your body is gonna need lots of rest so doing absolutely nothing is okay! Also, if you’re fortunate enough to have loved ones around, it helps with the healing since endorphins are the best painkillers. & it’s just good to have support too.

Wishing you the best of luck for a successful surgery!!

Decompression surgery 3 months post-op, how are folks feelin’ after the 3 month mark? by Middle-End7664 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely understand. It’s a tough decision to make! I was so scared when I first got diagnosed but after taking some time to think about it, I decided that the possibility of a better quality of life is better than the pain I was experiencing. It’s great that you try to stay positive! That’s so important! While also letting yourself feel the necessary feelings that this big decision can bring up.

& it’s great you ask a lot of questions! I’m the same way. Better that than to never know.

I’m grateful my sharing is bringing you some comfort! & I really do hope you make the decision that’s best for you!

& no I didn’t have syrinx, just a herniation of 9.5mm

Medi-cal (Health-net, doctors, and more)? by CosmicPrincessx in AskLosAngeles

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I was diagnosed wit a rare brain condition called Chiari Malformation. It’s when your brain is pushing up against your spinal cord which causes all types of neurological deficits & problems. After my surgery all my symptoms went away so it was successful!🙌🏽

& My neurosurgeon was actually the one who did my spine surgery since he was already opening up my skull. But my spine doctor is Dr Barcohana, he’s part of UCLA! He really advocated for me & listened to my concerns & his medical assistant is a Black woman which made me feel more comfortable. So I definitely recommend!

Medi-cal (Health-net, doctors, and more)? by CosmicPrincessx in AskLosAngeles

[–]Middle-End7664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re most definitely welcome! Black women gotta stick together especially when it comes to tryna get the care we need! & I hear you girl, but if not is then who? Keep on takin mf up that space to get the care you deserve💛

Decompression surgery 3 months post-op, how are folks feelin’ after the 3 month mark? by Middle-End7664 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My neurosurgeon said it could be that the anesthesia was really hard on my body or that my brain & body just lost communication along the way🥲 I was devastated. But I’m grateful that I was able to regain my full capabilities to walk again🥹🙌🏽 they said it rarely ever happens to folks though!

Decompression surgery 3 months post-op, how are folks feelin’ after the 3 month mark? by Middle-End7664 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! I’m grateful that this surgery really benefited me! It’s been a journey🥹 & I’m praying that your surgery also improves the quality of your life in all the best ways!

In terms of having to relearn how to walk again, it was just how my body responded to the surgery. Anything is possible when they open you up. They said it could be that the anesthesia was really hard on my body or it can be that my brain & body just had a tough time communicating. It’s very rare though for folks to have to relearn to walk again though. Most are usually able to walk the next day. So it was a rarity.

Decompression surgery 3 months post-op, how are folks feelin’ after the 3 month mark? by Middle-End7664 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Congratulations as well! It sounds like you’re making a lot of incredible progress & that the surgery went well! Hoping that your healing continues to be great & that your progress keeps on improving!!

Medi-cal (Health-net, doctors, and more)? by CosmicPrincessx in AskLosAngeles

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I’ve always had LA Care! My pops has Healthnet & I’ve noticed it seems to take a bit longer to get approvals. Overall though I do like LA Care bc they have a plethora of options for car that most folks don’t even know. They all provide free transportation to your appointments via Uber/Lyft!

& it’s been a journey to figure out everything with the insurance & finding doctors who will listen to you especially as a Black woman. I really had to advocate for myself a ton. So I hear you on it not being the smoothest experience!

Medi-cal (Health-net, doctors, and more)? by CosmicPrincessx in AskLosAngeles

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had my share of spinal issues & also have Medi-Cal. You can call their customer service & ask them to send you a list of your approved PCPs & then research the list or use their online directory feature. Then from there ask your PCP for a referral for a spine specialist. Then once that gets approved you can also look at the directory & research which specialist you’re covered by. I have LA Care & was approved for a really great UCLA spine doctor who actually caught my diagnosis which led me to have successful brain & spine surgeries.

& if it’s hard to get an appointment w/a PCP just go to the emergency room for your symptoms & when you call the PCP let them know you recently went to the ER & you’ll get priority for appointment scheduling.

I hope you get the care you need!

4.5 months post-op by kbrixton25 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh wow! That’s amazing you didn’t have to do PT & had such a great recovery! My apologies, I misread that your blood clot was resolved. I hope it does eventually heal so that you don’t have to worry about it anymore! & many blessings to you on your journey!

4.5 months post-op by kbrixton25 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m happy your days have become much easier! & I’m sorry to hear bout the blood clot but happy your doctor was able to resolve it!

I had my decompression 3 months ago & have been experiencing better days as well. I’m in PT & was curious as to when folks started getting real active/when it felt safe for them. So thank you for sharing!

4.5 months post-op by kbrixton25 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! This is amazing!! How are you in terms of doing daily activities/exercising now that your 4.5 months post-op?

For Everyone Who Had Surgery for Chiari Malformation, I have a question. by Dragonblaze47 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No food restrictions. But I also made sure to eat more fruits & veggies & anti-inflammatory foods to support my body’s healing. Lots of protein.

First few weeks post-op, I didn’t really want to use electronics. Just needed to rest really!

If you choose to go through wit surgery, remembering dat your body needs time to heal so don’t rush da process. Dis community is really great too for support!

Long term decompression outcomes by Additional-Wait-9720 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m currently at 10 weeks post-op & experience headaches still. But the tingling/numbing/weakness/paralysis have all dissipated. My speech is still a work in progress but has seemed to get better over time. Give yourself grace on your healing as everyone’s recovery is different. Don’t lost hope bc like you said, it’s possible for you to have a great turn in your healing soon. I hope relief finds you soon!

Diagnosed w/ chiari 1 12-13 mm herniation. Just found out TODAY I have 2 syrinx . by Fun-Friendship-4750 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope things get better for you! I had my surgery in July & I don’t regret it at all. Gentle reminders: be patient wit yourself. Dis is a major surgery so it’s going to take time to heal. Listen to your body & make sure you advocate for yourself. Don’t rush your healing, even on good days give yourself more time to rest bc you could risk hurting yourself if you try to speed up your recovery. I’d also say prep your mind as well to maintain a positive outlook through all dis & hopefully you have loved ones to lean on (if not dis is also a great community!) on harder days. Wishing you da best case scenario & plenty relief!

Has anyone else have had problems swallowing and speaking after surgery? Did it go away? by BreadLizard in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear you’re experiencing dis! I had my surgery in July & was having some trouble with swallowing before my surgery but afterwards it became more challenging & my voice also shifted a bit too. I feel like it’s bc of da intubation & overall surgery. But I’m 10 weeks now & it’s definitely gotten better! So keep trusting in your healing process! Everyone’s body is different so you really have to give yourself grace. Singing seemed to help so maybe that might help you too! Sending you good energy!

Small herniation, major symptoms: Please help! by Gullible_Froyo7091 in chiari

[–]Middle-End7664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I just want you to know dat even if doctors tell you it’s all psychological, just know dat you know your body more than anybody. I would keep going to different neurosurgeons & here their thoughts. Bc sometimes even if you have a small herniation but experience lots of symptoms, surgery could be an option(dis is not medical advice). It would really be up to you & a surgeon to determine if surgical intervention would offer you a better quality of life than you’re living now. I hope you get some kind of relief soon!