Aa
Chiari and pregnancy after surgery.
Hi everyone,
Would really love some advice and info if anyone can help me?
I was diagnosed with chiari type 1 last summer, and was decompressed on the 21st of October last year so i'm just over a year post op now.
I found out a couple weeks ago that i was pregnant and it was a huge shock as i thought i couldn't have children and me and the other half had been trying for years before i got sick and never any luck.
So obviously it was not planned but i am happy about it, but also super nervous!
Iv'e heard so many different things about getting pregnant with chiari that i don't even now whats right or not. And especially only been a year post op and still having some problems with my headaches because the operation has apparently caused me to get sever migraines and tension headaches as well as the ongoing chiari symptoms. And not been able to take any medication now too.
I just wonder if anyone else is in my situation or has been and can help me? I would also like info about the birth too please as i keep hearing you have to have a c-section is this true? i have my first midwife appointment on Wednesday will i have to mention about c-section and having chiari and the risks and that or will she already know about them?
Sorry for the huge paragraph lol just a nervous first time mummy to be who could use some help, im about 7 weeks gone atm.
Thankyou xx
Would really love some advice and info if anyone can help me?
I was diagnosed with chiari type 1 last summer, and was decompressed on the 21st of October last year so i'm just over a year post op now.
I found out a couple weeks ago that i was pregnant and it was a huge shock as i thought i couldn't have children and me and the other half had been trying for years before i got sick and never any luck.
So obviously it was not planned but i am happy about it, but also super nervous!
Iv'e heard so many different things about getting pregnant with chiari that i don't even now whats right or not. And especially only been a year post op and still having some problems with my headaches because the operation has apparently caused me to get sever migraines and tension headaches as well as the ongoing chiari symptoms. And not been able to take any medication now too.
I just wonder if anyone else is in my situation or has been and can help me? I would also like info about the birth too please as i keep hearing you have to have a c-section is this true? i have my first midwife appointment on Wednesday will i have to mention about c-section and having chiari and the risks and that or will she already know about them?
Sorry for the huge paragraph lol just a nervous first time mummy to be who could use some help, im about 7 weeks gone atm.
Thankyou xx
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Congratulations...!!! How wonderful,....Chiari can affect so many things in our bodies including hormones so it may have been Chiari that was preventing you getting pregnant...I too had issues and only had one child....I did not know about my Chiari until after my DD was grown....
Everyone is different as to if they can strain at one yr post op while having a child....it is not the best thing as you have nerves that are still healing,..Only your NS and OBGYN can suggest what they feel is best for you....Tell everyone that will be in charge of you and your childs care about your Chiari and the surgery.
There is a nurse that works with a Chiari NS that wrote articles on Chiari and pregnancy.Her name is Diane Mueller,...here is a link-http://www.conquerchiari.org/subs%20only/Volume%203/Issue%203(4)/Chiari%20&%20Pregnancy%203(4).html
Hello and welcome to our encouraging and supportive community. First, let me congratulate you. My pregnancy was 18 years ago but it was just yesterday. I did not know about my Chiari then, and I had a pretty easy healthy pregnancy. The birth (vaginal) was definitely a defining moment in my life - not like anything I had ever experienced before. Do not let anyone scare you with war stories; some people really love to talk about suffering. I won't lie about it, there was pain at an intensity I have not since felt. Then there was a little boy to love. I wonder how things would have been different for me if I knew back then that I had chiari. Maybe the birth intensified my symptoms because of the pushing. Who knows?
The only wisdom I have to share with you is to keep a very detailed journal to record symptoms, when they occur, and anything you notice that may bring them on. Keeping accurate information will be so helpful for you with doctor visits. Definitely research some natural remedies for pain. I do know many people in this community are also very interested in natural healing methods, so someone may be able to give you some information.
This has to be a pretty exciting time for you, and I send you all good wishes for lots of happiness. Keep checking back because others will reply with some of their own experiences. But the key thing is that you are not alone and that you are part of a really great bunch of kind people.
The only wisdom I have to share with you is to keep a very detailed journal to record symptoms, when they occur, and anything you notice that may bring them on. Keeping accurate information will be so helpful for you with doctor visits. Definitely research some natural remedies for pain. I do know many people in this community are also very interested in natural healing methods, so someone may be able to give you some information.
This has to be a pretty exciting time for you, and I send you all good wishes for lots of happiness. Keep checking back because others will reply with some of their own experiences. But the key thing is that you are not alone and that you are part of a really great bunch of kind people.
Thankyou for responding :)
I had not even though it could have been the chiari preventing me from getting pregnant but it does make sense.
I will do i had to go to the hospital for an early scan last week and had to tell the nurse about my chiari and surgery and she had no idea what it was lol, i will tell my midwife and hopefully she will know about it or send me to someone who does :)
i will be sure to make sure everyone knows.
And thankyou i will have a look at it. x
I had not even though it could have been the chiari preventing me from getting pregnant but it does make sense.
I will do i had to go to the hospital for an early scan last week and had to tell the nurse about my chiari and surgery and she had no idea what it was lol, i will tell my midwife and hopefully she will know about it or send me to someone who does :)
i will be sure to make sure everyone knows.
And thankyou i will have a look at it. x
Thankyou for responding and for your kind words :)
That is what i'm most scared about - the birth! mainly because iv'e heard so many horror stories and well just so many different stories in general.
Yeah i have heard that too about the pushing that is why i was told you had to have to have a c-section but i dunno if that is true or not.
Thankyou for the wisdom :) i will defiantly do that.
It is so exciting but also so scary, i'm so nervous about everything especially since we tried for so long and now i feel like it is too good to be true but also because of my chiari and related issues i just don't want anything to go wrong with baby or for me to end up really sick again. So yeah, lol very nervous.
But thankyou that means alot :) xx
That is what i'm most scared about - the birth! mainly because iv'e heard so many horror stories and well just so many different stories in general.
Yeah i have heard that too about the pushing that is why i was told you had to have to have a c-section but i dunno if that is true or not.
Thankyou for the wisdom :) i will defiantly do that.
It is so exciting but also so scary, i'm so nervous about everything especially since we tried for so long and now i feel like it is too good to be true but also because of my chiari and related issues i just don't want anything to go wrong with baby or for me to end up really sick again. So yeah, lol very nervous.
But thankyou that means alot :) xx
Congratulation!!!! KirstyPie, I really don' t have anything more to say, Selma & Elisaandbucky really did give very good advice.. But I will say I had 3 pregnancy, now my kid are all grown up with kids of their own...well 2 are the youngest is 23 and lives at home...I remember the day they were born as if it was yesterday... What I am trying to say is ENJOY your pregnancy...and tell your doctors about your Chiari and follow there advice..savor every moment...then put it in GODS hands..He decided now was the rite time so he will take care of you and your baby don't worry.. even if you do have to have a c-section it's not that bad... my oldest daughter had to have one for both my grand kids... Take the worry out of your mind that's not good positive thinking happy thoughts... Healthy mommy & Baby !!! :)
Congrats on your pregnancy! I was diagnosed about 2 months ago with chiari I have s 3 yr old and my daughter will be 1 next month. Both pregnancies and labor/delivery went great. I started having most my symptoms a couple months after having my daughter. If I had known then I had chiari I probably would hsve had a c section because I heard the pushing during giving birth can
Nellan12 gave you the most valuable words. She's right; "ENJOY your pregnancy." then she said to "put it in GODS hands," which is really the most wise thing anyone can advise you to do. In God's hands I have coped quite well with some of the tougher challenges. I have heard it said that the opposite of fear is faith, and I know that hearing that has certainly taught me not to be so afraid of what I cannot control. For you, KirstyyPie, be a happy mama and love the tiny little life inside. Celebrate your strength.
Oh by the way, I just wanted to say I love your screen name, my name is Nella the N stands of my last name... But my grand daughter, " who is the light of my life" calls me Nonnie Pie lol !!! so I just love love love your name!!!
My granddaughter's name is Gabriella, we call her Gabby, she is 4 yrs old and was born with 18P deletion ( witch is part of a cromo zone missing in her body) but she is a tough little girl and has over come some big difficulties...and also just as big of an attitude lol !!! Loves to wear moms makeup close & high heel shoes!!! I will post pictures of her on my profile...so you can see.. I will tell you her story one day but in the mean time KEEP YOUR FAITH IN GOD !!!
My granddaughter's name is Gabriella, we call her Gabby, she is 4 yrs old and was born with 18P deletion ( witch is part of a cromo zone missing in her body) but she is a tough little girl and has over come some big difficulties...and also just as big of an attitude lol !!! Loves to wear moms makeup close & high heel shoes!!! I will post pictures of her on my profile...so you can see.. I will tell you her story one day but in the mean time KEEP YOUR FAITH IN GOD !!!
Thankyou so much everyone for your kind words and advice you have all made me feel So much less nervous :) Im so exited to become a mummy and to just actually be pregnant I Just want everything to perfect :) .
Thank you! its what my niece used to always call me and it sorta stuck :) and everyone started to call me it . Nonnie Pie that's so cute! bless her :) Gabriella that a pretty name, aww bless her She Sounds like a strong little girl :) I bet your so proud! I will have a look I bet she is beautiful.
Thank you :)
Thank you :)
i have been trying all morning to upload sone photos ... my the way this system is set up it isa little hard for me because it wants to upload the entire album!!! and trust me no one wants to see all the pictures GRANDMA takes or in my case my grand kids call me Nonnie.. but give me time i will find a way to get some of her on to my profile...
Just wanted to let everyone who helped me out and sent kind words that i actually lost the baby :(
Gutted isnt the word. Worst experiance of my life. x
Gutted isnt the word. Worst experiance of my life. x
COMMUNITY LEADER
My deepest Sympathies on your loss....words can not express what it is you need at this time....I know as I went thru the same loss......
((hugs))
My prayers for you and your family are to find peace and comfort in God's hands. I am very sorry and sad to hear of your loss. What are the right words to comfort one with your depth of loss? You will be in my prayers for a while, and I wish for you to comforted by God.
Thankyou both of you, your kind words mean alot to me.
SelmaS - im so sorry you went thru this too,it is heartbreaking and no1 should ever have to got thru it.
Feel so down- Like i have missed my chance as i thought i could not have children before and we had been trying for years :( .
Was a missed miscarriage too so i had to wait almost 3 weeks knowing my baby had passed and waiting for it to happen :'( .. And then i thought i had passed everything (sorry for tmi) but i had not they called it ongoing and was just over 2 weeks before it stopped.
I also feel like my body is just playing cruel tricks on me its been a month since my miscarriage actually started and i passed thing, and have felt like maybe i was getting af now and my body could return to normal. i have been feeling like it all week and still nothing. had one spot of light blood yesterday thats it. and now last few days i have started to feel like i did when i first got pregnant before, back is aching and very mild pains in pelvic area, cant stop weeing, getting sensitive to smells again and some making me feel sick. but im not pregnant i did a test today just to be sure so feel like my body is punishing me or something :( .. asif im not heartbroken enought! ...
Sorry for the life story and tmi .. just needed to tell someone how i fell.
SelmaS - im so sorry you went thru this too,it is heartbreaking and no1 should ever have to got thru it.
Feel so down- Like i have missed my chance as i thought i could not have children before and we had been trying for years :( .
Was a missed miscarriage too so i had to wait almost 3 weeks knowing my baby had passed and waiting for it to happen :'( .. And then i thought i had passed everything (sorry for tmi) but i had not they called it ongoing and was just over 2 weeks before it stopped.
I also feel like my body is just playing cruel tricks on me its been a month since my miscarriage actually started and i passed thing, and have felt like maybe i was getting af now and my body could return to normal. i have been feeling like it all week and still nothing. had one spot of light blood yesterday thats it. and now last few days i have started to feel like i did when i first got pregnant before, back is aching and very mild pains in pelvic area, cant stop weeing, getting sensitive to smells again and some making me feel sick. but im not pregnant i did a test today just to be sure so feel like my body is punishing me or something :( .. asif im not heartbroken enought! ...
Sorry for the life story and tmi .. just needed to tell someone how i fell.
My prayers continue for you and for some sense of ease (if there can even be any) for the pain you are in. I have no words that could even come close to soothing you. Please just know that you are in my thoughts and continuing prayers.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I agree no one should have to go thru it either.....but I think you can look at this as a positive....meaning...it can take your body up to 2 yrs to fully recover from this surgery and it may have been your body's way of saying you are not ready....and that is good bcuz you did get pregnant....I tried for 5 yrs....so I know...and it also brings to mind what I have found out since my Chiari DX...that EDS can play a role in becoming pregnant....so if you have not had this ruled out yet,, do it now...it may help in the long run....BTW I have a wonderful daughter I could not be prouder of....
Thats what my dad said too about my body not been ready yet.. and yeah my fiance said at least you got pregnant so maybe one day it might happen again.. still heartbraking thou no matter the reason :( isnt it. wow 5 years bless ya! it had been almost 3 we had tried for and then i got sick so left it as i was too poorly its so frustrating isnt it, espech when i know so many people pregnant atm and most of them didnt even wat a baby was an accident :'( .. what is EDS? and aww thats lovely :)
COMMUNITY LEADER
EDS is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome this is a connective tissue disorder that is related to Chiari...many of us with Chiari have this condition as well. Hyper mobility type of EDS is the most common but there are many types and you should be checked for this condition as it too can affect how you recover from surgery.
BTW- my DD is going on 4 yrs trying and she was DX'd with endometriosis and had surgery to remove some of the scar tissue....endometriosis is related to EDS....and can have an affect on getting pregnant.
Congratulations!!!!
I had a miscarriage with my first child with awful headaches and we never found out why. My second pregnancy with my daughter who is now about to be 4, ended up being a C-section due to so much pressure at the base of my head an neck while trying to push and then she was stuck at 7cm on my cervix bone. It was a rough C-section after going through labor. My third pregnancy with my son was amazing, and I enjoyed it very much. He was a scheduled C-section as my hospital doesn't allow VBAC's. And my son will be 2 in a week. I just was diagnosed with Chiari the end of November 2014. Now knowing what I know I truly am happy that I ended up needing C-sections. Good luck momma and yes I think you should mention a Csection to your midwife.
I had a miscarriage with my first child with awful headaches and we never found out why. My second pregnancy with my daughter who is now about to be 4, ended up being a C-section due to so much pressure at the base of my head an neck while trying to push and then she was stuck at 7cm on my cervix bone. It was a rough C-section after going through labor. My third pregnancy with my son was amazing, and I enjoyed it very much. He was a scheduled C-section as my hospital doesn't allow VBAC's. And my son will be 2 in a week. I just was diagnosed with Chiari the end of November 2014. Now knowing what I know I truly am happy that I ended up needing C-sections. Good luck momma and yes I think you should mention a Csection to your midwife.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Chiari Malformation Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
