thyroid goiters or decompression surgery??

[Sheri817]

So, like alot of ppl on here, my 20mm herniation was found while checking for other things. Went to NS and he wanted me to try the PT and meds before discussing surgery..mind you, that I have only had an MRI and when I asked him if he would do a CINE MRI and check to see if I had any blockage he didn't think that was necessary at this time becuz I do not have a syrinx. Anyway, in the mean time my PCP sent me for an ultra sound of my thyroids becuz they saw a 11x20mm nodule on the MRI also. So, the results of the ultrasound was that I have multiple goiters on both sides. I have an appt with the Endo on Jan 30th to find out what they will do about that and I have an appt Feb 8th with the NS to discuss surgery because the only relief I have gotten from the PT and steroids is that my HA's aren't as bad. I still have the pressure in my head and behind my eyes, numbness in my fingers(sometimes), tingling and creepy crawlies on my head(yall know what im talking about lol) severe lower back pain, lose my balance occasionally, ear pain, tingling in my face, saying the wrong words in conversations, neck and shoulder pain(though not as bad as before the PT),and anytime i use my hands and arms for anything strenuous like blow drying or curling my hair or sweeping, vacuuming, washing the fridge, dusting, etc, my arms tremble for hours afterward.. But, nothing as severe as what alot of you guys have...I guess what im asking is, should i go ahead and schedule myself for surgery or wait until symptoms are worse?? I think that what scares me is that I don't want to get worse and the surgery not be as successful. I have come to terms with the fact that i will always have chiari but is it better to have surgery before your symptoms get too bad?? I know that none of you are dr's, just wanted some opinions..also, if they have to do surgery to remove the goiters on my thyroids should I do that before I have the decompression surgery??  Sorry I made this sooo long, just have so many questions and don't know who to turn to becuz the dr's don't seem to be that helpful. I will ask both dr's their opinions on what to do first but wanted my chiari friends opinions also. Yall have been alot of help to me thus far since I only found out in Dec about any of this...

[selmaS]

  Yup Hash ee motos.....and it is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.....is the proper name....

I would suggest u see a true chiari specialist as well.....to compare....u need to see a few drs b4 u choose one...JMHO.

  Get the opinion of another dr that does nothing but chiari surgeries......

    "selma"

[Sheri817]

Thanks Dani and Selma for your input! I really do love this forum, just helps to talk with others who understand. I will talk with the endo on monday and be sure to ask about the Hashimoto's(is it pronounced the same as it is spelled?). My NS is not a Chiari specialist but told me that he has performed many of the decompression surgeries and it is the only real treatment for chiari but wanted to give the PT and meds a try before putting me thru the surgery but that surgery would more than likely be my only option to stop the progression. And since I don't have a syrinx at this time I feel like I should have the surgery before it gets any more serious. Thanks again!

[selmaS]

  Hi...having the goiters is a condition called Hashimoto's an autoimmune thyroid condition many with Chiari share with u.Mine r too small and do not require surgery, but I get an US every 6 months to track them to be sure there is not an increase in size.....

U would need to talk to a Chiari specialist as well as ur endo to see which of these conditions is in need of attention first, or attention at all.....u do need to find out if u have a CSF obstruction, and u do not want to wait until u have a syrinx to have surgery...mine was to prevent one from forming.....not sure y u would wait??

  Get the opinions of experts in each field, chiari and endo...and go from there.

   "selma"

[DANI0103]

Hello,
WOW, it sounds like we are in the same boat, more then one surgruy being thrown at us. I know its hard but hang in there you can and will get thru this. My advice is to get a second opinion on both the surgeries. My PCP wanted me to get my decomp. surgury right away however my NS didnt, and he has my best interest at heart. He has informed me from day 1 that it is a painful, long recovery period, rough surgury to go thru.
Good luck to you
-dani