Many if us have received these incorrect Dxs, often years before Chiari. My NS has noticed that 30-50% of his Chiari paitients "carry" a CFS/FMS Dx.
The following is a medscape article (requires registration) about a new consensus for CFS/ME for primary care drs & other health care pros. Not only is this significant because most here will recognize these symptoms as identical to ours, but the consensus panel recommends eliminating the 6 month waiting, i.e. suffering, period before a Dx.
Also, this is EXACTLY what Chiari patients need, a consensus! If a patient is screaming in pain, is crushingly fatigued, is dizzy, can't see, falling over, can't digest food, is incontinent, has no quality if life, etc, docs need to think CHIARI!
It's ironic that recognition has come to CFS/ME before Chiari when, in some cases, it's the same beast; and that Dx will get you nowhere. For years!
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/773334