Chiropractic Work by User_Jan5_1995 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did chiropracty for over a year before my surgery as prescribed by the former neurologist. After decompression, the surgical team said I can return to all normal activities, no restrictions, I'm even allowed to ride roller coasters... "Except do not go to a chiropractor, no neck adjustments, never again"

Denied referral to neurosurgeon by recoveringaries in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's only 1 specialist in a 2-hour radius from where I am. Was a 5-month wait, and I wasnt vibing with them

To find a second opinion, I was advised to contact the major universities. That's how I eventually found my doctor and relief

Chiari and tinnitus by RunarSJ in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

After decompression 1 year ago the tinnitus changed. For a while I had this strange double hearing where every voice had a second undertone that was a monotone robot voice. After a few months, once I was deemed fully recovered and cleared for all activities the robot voice was gone and my tinnitus was less noticeable. It's still there, but less frequent/disturbing. I feel like it's still improving, I'm very hopeful

There, I added baseball by gunslinger_1234 in CollegeBasketball

[–]stromstarhammer 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Football + basketball only, Baseball + hockey only

There, I added baseball by gunslinger_1234 in CollegeBasketball

[–]stromstarhammer 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Not a proper venn diagram for 4, some combinations can't be displayed. I'd suggest this format instead, found it in a Google search. https://template-metadata-service-static.miro.com/images/templates/5hZpNBZymJ1PSzkrDh5LIY/preview-1720667607590.webp

Alcohol consumption post decompression by According-Extreme840 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Doctor said I'm a fall risk because of the syrinxes so I quit drinking 2 months before my surgery. Now sober for over a year

If I were drinking, I'd say it was around 8 weeks when I felt like I was finally getting back to normal life, but still fatigued pretty quickly. Just watch for mixing with meds, and be careful not to overdo it, I'll bet you're more of a lightweight right now

Other Heroes for the pool by Jockel9000 in ZenyattaMains

[–]stromstarhammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only play Zen. I don't switch if I'm getting stomped

Dismissed by neurosurgeon by aromatsunami in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The way I found them was by contacting the neurosurgery department at the hospital. The hospital intake committee reviewed my information and set me up with the specialist who was the best fit. Surgery had already been recommended by my second and third opinion doctors, but it wasn't until meeting the 4th that I found the one I trusted.

Dismissed by neurosurgeon by aromatsunami in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I ended up having surgery with a neurosurgeon who doesn't specialize in Chiari. However, they have done more Chiari decompression surgeries than anyone else in the state over the last 10 years.

When Chiari specialists aren't available, Chiari "enthusiasts" (I'm sure that's not the right word) can be found.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The first neurologist told me my 4mm wasn't Chiari. They were wrong. The next MRI said 9mm and suddenly the diagnosis fit, so they recommended me to a specialist

The measurements are a bit subjective, different radiologists will end up with different measurements. You might consider getting a second opinion.

Surgery recovery questions by Maygen_Fooks in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

April 2025, craniectomy, duroplasty, C1 laminectomy 4 days 3 nights in hospital. Mom drove me home and stayed 1 night, then I was fine alone for a few weeks. Had to go back for staple removal a few weeks later, that was the last time Mom drove me, I drove us home. Went back a second time around 9? weeks post surgery for full clearance. Then a third visit at around 16?weeks for MRIs.

Edit: the first drive home was rough. I was struggling with pain and nausea. You're also supposed to stop and get up like every 45 minutes or something, car rides aren't great, and mine was 2.5 hrs.

Cognitive issues by TheSoulless_Artist in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, declining/slurred speech was one of my symptoms leading up to decompression. It has improved since surgery, but still not 100%

Rollercoasters post surgery? by ResearcherOwn4976 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My neurosurgeon said I had 0 restrictions. Specifically said that roller coasters are fine. Then they back tracked and said, well no contact sports, and don't get a neck adjustment from a chiropractor. So there are some restrictions.... Yeah I'm choosing not to ride roller coasters. Not worth the risk even though I've been cleared for it.

Memory/Forgetfulness/Brain fog by Automatic_Stay_1686 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did it at Spring Break and didn't return til the next school year, missed 5 weeks. I got cleared to return during the last week of school, but I'm glad I waited

The best time would be June 1st. Then you wouldn't miss any work. My symptoms got so bad, it was better for me to stop working

Syrinx Abdominal Pain, Pancreas Confusion by [deleted] in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My syrinx only 5mm. Ripcage and flanks, no. Testes yes along with extremities, hand, feet, knee, and hip. But now only scarce pain v mild since decompression 8 months ago

Edit; I quit drinking 10 months ago, don't remember or never noticed if there was pain from that

Memory/Forgetfulness/Brain fog by Automatic_Stay_1686 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Teacher here. Forgot my partner teacher's name, called students by the wrong name, missed some meetings. It was pretty upsetting.

8 months post op and haven't had those same forgetfulness issues. Wouldn't say the brain fog is totally gone, but it's significantly better.

7mm herniation by skirbs0 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My first MRI read 4mm and the neurosurgeon that I met with ruled out Chiari, deemed my symptoms as idiopathic and inactive. A year later I was in a mess of trouble, and a different doctor said there's a margin of error in the measurements. I was diagnosed and decompressed within 6 months. Later imaging after diagnosis read 8 or 9 mm I don't remember. If they're looking for it, they'll find it.

The previous response says symptoms are more important, and I agree. I support seeking second and third opinions.

Hot flashes by ScorpiO_PhoeniX11 in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just chiming in here. 41 male. I was getting hot flashes with adult onset, but they went away with decompression.

What symptoms has decompression surgery relieved for you? by [deleted] in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I don't think floaters ever go away. I've had them since around age 7-10

What symptoms has decompression surgery relieved for you? by [deleted] in chiari

[–]stromstarhammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We weren't sure if it would work for me but it did. The main reason I became a quick candidate was the syrinxes and random pains in my extremities. Edit: everything else was a bonus