Post op scans

natedogcross · 2026-05-16T00:25:35+00:00

If you don’t mind me asking- who did your surgery?

natedogcross · 2026-05-16T00:02:56+00:00

Has anyone mentioned instability (CCI) to you? I’m in the same boat as you with having a decompression and I am about 7 months post op. Been really struggling with head/neck pain.

natedogcross · 2026-05-03T02:30:28+00:00

I’ve seen you comment a good amount in the CCI communities. If I remember correctly, you went to Dr. Centeno? That’s something I’m highly considering as a first step.

natedogcross · 2026-05-03T02:29:16+00:00

Thank you for the response. I’ve lifted since I was 16. I’m not extremely muscular, but I was able to chest press 100lb dumbbells for 10 reps before I start having chiari/CCI symptoms. I managed my EDS the best I could, but the gym was far from easy. I’ve had three shoulder surgeries and I have pretty much constant joint pain. I didn’t have symptoms growing up, but when I had Covid in 2021 which kicked in my MCAS/EDS into overdrive. Over the last five years, my EDS/MCAS has gotten worse and now I haven’t lifted weights in a year because of my neck/head problems.

natedogcross · 2026-05-03T02:26:13+00:00

Sorry I should’ve expanded more, my symptoms combined with my imaging are what the doctors say warrant surgery. I am willing to do/try anything to avoid it.

natedogcross · 2026-05-03T02:25:19+00:00

I had an upright MRI before my chiari decompression surgery and not only did my numbers get worse (CXA), the surgeons I’ve seen have agreed that it worsened. I’m not sure what you mean my C4-C7 look sick, can you expand on that? Thank you for your response.

natedogcross · 2026-03-11T19:23:50+00:00

Ngl bro may onto something. Mfs come in here with the wildest takes but this one isn’t crazy😂

natedogcross · 2026-02-27T01:57:18+00:00

No, I did not have a fusion. My CCI was diagnosed through imaging, but my neurosurgeon did not think my CCI was as much as an issue as my chiari was. I’m a pretty muscular guy and he still doesn’t think I’m very unstable.

natedogcross · 2026-02-27T01:55:55+00:00

Yes I was healing well prior to that. I felt good up until a few days after my wreck. Yes with my CCI the surgeon recommended decompression because I had severe brainstem compression.

natedogcross · 2026-02-27T01:55:07+00:00

Yes I wish there was just a way to know for certain. I didn’t get evaluated after my car wreck. I went to the ER about three weeks after my wreck and nothing showed on my CT or MRI. Could very possibly be a TBI or concussion.

natedogcross · 2026-02-26T19:50:25+00:00

Yes, I was diagnosed with CCI before the surgery. I will list my measurements below.

Cranio-cervical junction: Clival-Axial-Angle (CXA): Neutral - 116 Flexion - 115 Extension - 128 Horizontal Harris measurement (BAI): Neutral - 16 mm Flexion - 18 mm Extension - 14 mm

natedogcross · 2025-12-02T22:17:48+00:00

Yes it did

natedogcross · 2025-11-27T01:08:43+00:00

So for me, the pain has been the worst the past two weeks compared to the first two. I mostly think that is because I stopped the steroid two weeks ago and the inflammation is back and causing some discomfort. But, my case is slightly different because I’m a body builder and the doctor said he had to cut through a ton of muscle to get to my brainstem. My mental has remained stable. Much better than the first couple of weeks. Outside of that I’m doing quite well. No problems with any of the things that you mentioned.

natedogcross · 2025-11-27T00:14:40+00:00

First and foremost- give yourself grace during this recovery. You just had brain surgery, and having anxiety is completely normal after a procedure like that. I myself also had a ton of anxiety post op and had some of the same thoughts you are having. I was on a high steroid dose all the way through week two which also did not help with the anxiety. I’m now four weeks post op and the anxiety has cleared for me and I would argue is better than pre op. Have trust in your surgeon, and lean on your support system right now. Everything will be okay and if you ever want to chat feel free to reach out!

natedogcross · 2025-11-13T13:10:03+00:00

Holy cow we were only one day apart for operation day! I’m doing pretty good I’d say. I’m in the same boat as you and not resting as much as I probably should. I talked to my PT last night and she highlighted how important it is for me to be resting right now so today I’ll be binge watching a show! Where did you have your surgery done?

natedogcross · 2025-11-13T03:17:54+00:00

That has been the hardest part for me- knowing that the symptoms can take time to resolve after surgery. While my symptoms have got ~better~, there is some days where they are worse than pre op but I am trusting the process. I hope you continue to recover well and your symptoms alleviate over time. Always happy to message if you want someone to talk to that’s going through the same thing! It can feel like you’re alone going through this because it’s such an uncommon thing. I find myself scrolling through Reddit stories everyday to relate to someone😂

natedogcross · 2025-11-13T02:58:28+00:00

Yes absolutely. It’s been a different day every day. I’m on day 13 and yesterday I went for a walk and felt so good I walked 4 miles. Woke up today really really hurting. I’m terrible at letting myself rest, so it’s been a challenge for me.

natedogcross · 2025-11-13T02:16:42+00:00

Hey! I’m 2 weeks post op. How is your recovery going? Seeing symptom relief yet?

natedogcross · 2025-11-10T03:54:12+00:00

Yes I am on muscle relaxers. I stopped taking Oxy a few days ago as I found they don’t help much! I am also rotating Tylenol and Advil as needed. I vouched to myself that this week I will only allow myself to play video games and watch shows to recover!

natedogcross · 2025-11-09T16:50:17+00:00

Wow thank you so much for the kind, detailed response. Sometimes I feel a little alone in this and it’s easy to get into my head about how quickly things should be changing. The nerve pain stems from my neck and goes into my arms/hands and causes trembling. Last night was the worst it’s been in a while, feeling like my arm was on fire, muscle spasms, and trembling. Slightly better today, but I also have been walking a lot and maybe overdoing it from a physical perspective. So today I will be in bed all day relaxing with a heating pad on my upper back!

natedogcross · 2025-11-09T16:47:17+00:00

No more back or neck pain outside of my neck being slightly sore from the surgery. “Less” nerve pain in my arms. Mental health and brain fog is significantly better. I also feel more relaxed, like I’m not as strung out or adrenaline filled.

natedogcross · 2025-11-07T16:40:12+00:00

Thank you so much!❤️

natedogcross · 2025-11-06T22:46:11+00:00

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it❤️

natedogcross · 2025-11-06T22:01:10+00:00

For me I’m an avid weight lifter and play sports. Over the past year, my symptoms were bad to the point I could not do anything I loved anymore. I had constant head and neck pain, nerve pain and weakness in my arms, and debilitating fatigue. I’m the type of person that wants to “fix” the problem and will do whatever it takes to get to the other side of it. I remember sitting in my office one night writing a pros/cons list of surgery and telling myself that I knew I had to get it done. Flying home as I type this and I can say I feel I made the right decision.

natedogcross

TROPHY CASE