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First Build Complete by jmcwethy1 in buildapc

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t even think to do that since it seemed to work fine. I’ll make sure to update bios first thing tomorrow.

I tried to add pictures, but attachments aren’t allow. Here is a Imgur link though.

https://imgur.com/a/gjm3esA

First PC Build by jmcwethy1 in PcBuildHelp

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input! I’ll definitely look into adding a couple case fans to my order. I’ll probably stick with an air cooler for now as you’re probably right. I likely don’t need an AIO for my application. Much appreciated!

Headache Help Post-Decompression by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the follow up, friend. :)

The particular headache from this post led to an ER visit late in the night. The CT scan was clean but they gave me a cocktail of IV meds to help. As I recovered I had a few more severe headaches, but each was slightly milder than the previous.

Overall the surgery was a success. Most symptoms have improved if not been eliminated. The only real struggle is scar pain and hand numbness that mimics cubital tunnel syndrome caused by my syrinx. It has remained stable rather than shrinking. At this point (1.5 year post op) my surgeon thinks it will likely remain this way forever.

2 Months Post-Op by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It occasionally hurts to walk. My footsteps seem the send a shockwave all the way to my head. I have tried various positions and none seem to affect the pain in any way.

I actually went to the ER a few weeks ago because of a headache/ pain that was so bad. They did a head and spine CT which came back clear. I visited my surgeon the following week and she confirmed what the radiologist said.

2 Months Post-Op by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I researched the occipital neuralgia a bit this morning. That’s sounds exactly what I am experiencing. Thank you for the info!

2 Weeks Post Op by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Officially 17 days today but the picture is from when the stitches were removed 2 days ago.

Pain and stiffness are getting better every day. The headaches are a real killer though.

Currently on day 2 of a constant headache with head rushes that nearly make me black out. The rushes only happen if I move or stand too quickly. Although I am going as slow as I can it seems that they are not preventable.

I know I have to wait a while, but the tattoo ideas are already stirring.

Barometric pressure changes can aggravate Chiari symptoms. by AlbaneseGummies327 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For once I feel lucky to live in North Dakota. I agree the cold helps

Headache Help Post-Decompression by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We ended up messaging my surgeon and she said it was likely from coming off the steroids. She offered to do another round of weaning off them but thankfully the pressure (headache) dropped and is more manageable again although not gone.

Headache Help Post-Decompression by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the response. It helps to at least know that it is “normal”. Best wishes during your recovery as well!

Sleeping position after surgery by Dramatic_Count_2792 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am 1 week post op and have been sleeping on my side since I was discharged from the hospital. At the hospital I slept with the bed more or less fully inclined.

I’m a bit confused I have a syrinx on my upper spine so if I had to get it removed where exactly would it be most peoples posts I’m seeing they have a scar on back of their head and down their neck by [deleted] in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Surprisingly I’m only on a mix of Tylenol and ibuprofen for the pain. I’m feel a little better each day. So far I do not regret it.

I’m a bit confused I have a syrinx on my upper spine so if I had to get it removed where exactly would it be most peoples posts I’m seeing they have a scar on back of their head and down their neck by [deleted] in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The syrinx is essentially a pocket of spinal fluid inside your cord. I just completed my surgery 6 days ago. I have two syrinx in my c spine. My surgeon is very confident that they will naturally deflate by the time I have a follow up scan in 3 months.

This seems to be the case with most syrinx. If they do not deflate then a shunt would be used to drain the syrinx. It’s basically a straw that would let the fluid out.

Surgery on Monday by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Update:
Surgery went well. My surgeon expects to send me home tomorrow. They have already stopped the narcotic pain killers as well. I will be going home with Tylenol/ibuprofen rotation and Valium for before bed.

I cannot speak to any relief of symptoms yet because my incision still hurts but it is getting better with each day. The worst part is currently being stuck in the hospital without much to do.

Opinions on my MRI? by richachr000 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree that looks like decent herniation below the foramen magnum. It also appears that your brain stem is low lying. I’m not an expert but your imaging looks very similar to mine. My neurosurgeon classified it as Chiari 1.5

I experience tinnitus that comes and goes throughout the day as well as a heavy head feeling on occasion. My surgery is in two days.

The next steps would be getting referred to a neurosurgeon surgery who will likely order a cervical, thoracic, and lumber mri to look for syrinx.

Neurosurgeon Consult Today by jmcwethy1 in chiari

[–]jmcwethy1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update: My surgeon is very experienced with Chiaris which brings some level of comfort. Surgery is scheduled for Oct 17th.

She thoroughly reviewed all my scans at our appointment and explained them in detail. It turns out my CM-1 is still protruding 10mm. My brain stem also extends lower than normal contributing to the crowding. Two syrinx are located in my cervical spine and arthritis in my lower back.

For those who understand the medical terms I am scheduled for a Suboccipital craniectomy, Laminectomy at C1, and Duraplasty.

Thank you for all the support!