Chiari Malformation and Sports

[laaureen21]

I was diagnosed and had brain decompression surgery about six months ago. A little bit after my surgery, I was cleared to play volleyball. Ever since my surgery, my symptoms have gone away until recently. About two weeks ago I got a concussion while playing volleyball, and I haven't gone a day without my old symptoms. My neurosurgeon and pediatrician disagreed on letting me to play sports again, but today I found out that I'm allowed to. I'm nervous because most of my family do not think it's a good idea to play again, and when I describe my symptoms to my doctors, I tend to under minimize what they actually are because I love play volleyball. Is it safe to play? What should I do?

[AnnieDear]

I have to agree with the above posters. Perhaps you could play volleyball for the fun of it, but it sounds like competitive volleyball is not your best option right now. Give yourself time (something many of us wish we had done!). You can gradually add more activity over time, but you cannot fix your brain or nerve damage once done. Listen to your body and don't feel bad about resting as needed or stepping back.

Best wishes,
Annie

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I feel this is a very touchy subject as many Drs will clear those with Chiari to play sports post op and I feel it may not be the best thing to do,,...look at the pro football players that have concussions and do not have Chiari and the issues they have....so may have been committing suicide either from pain  or the fact they were losing a part of them...be it memory, or mood shifts...

We all know how we feel if we do too much and at 6 months post op ur body is still healing on the inside as it can take up to 2 full yrs  for the nerves to heal...so 6 months...u are not ready for someone to possibly spike a ball at ur head or knock u to the ground as they go for the ball....for me it would not be worth it...I love roller coasters, but I would not risk going on one at this point ,,.,which could also be in part to my age as I am older and I also have EDS which I tend to heal slower then most....we each have to decide the risk for our self...and know the possibility of getting injured and  that could mean more surgery depending on the injury.

[kwalker0004]

I too had to give up something I love to do with all my heart. I compete in horse jumping and have so since I could ride a horse and my uncle bought my first competitive horse for me. Though I have not gone through surgery like you, I have been thrown from my beloved horse Trigger and I have been advised to not compete this year or until further notice. Of course hearing this it tore me up but hopefully soon maybe next year I will be able to compete if I don't need the surgery.

But what ever the outcome I know i must give my body time to heal as well asy you do. You love your sport but you don't want to rush right back into it even if you do feel a 100 percent. You may never know one minute you can feel fine and the next you could feel tired. I know once I get the green light to get back on Trigger I will have not only have to work my nerves up again but as well as my muscles. Since all I can do is trail riding or as I call it lazy riding. But its what I love to do and I'm not going to completely give it up unless I absolutely have to.

Best of luck to you. Remember listen to your body. Never minimize your symptoms. As they can be a factor of something major gone wrong. Your body is your key it will let you know when you are ready to play volleyball again. And have fun.

[Elisaandbucky]

What caught me about your post is your love of volley ball. I am sorry to hear that playing now has resurfaced your symptoms. Be careful not to minimize any report of symptoms.

Before my definitive diagnosis, I ran my first two half marathons and found running to be a cleansing experience. I was strictly advised to stop running because of the high impact. I am sad. It even gets me teary when I see my running partner running without me. I have been athletic my entire life, so I walk now - fast, aerobic level. It is not giving me the thrill of running, but I am moving. My surgery is scheduled for 7/29.

June 24 is very recent, and it is advised that you do not push the recovery. Your love of volley ball has to make that difficult. I will send prayers to you