I'm Chiari?

[Bflywarrior]

Hi all!!! So great to find this community as the info I received from the docs seems so elusive.

I have been in and out of the ER lately. A couple weeks ago for the inability to swallow and this past Friday for stroke-like symptoms - cramping hand, went into forearm, into upper-arm, into armpit and into neck. All on the left side. Headaches, dizziness/light-headed, tingling in fingers/arms/foot, parathesis (I think that's the spelling), heavy feeling in arms, extreme neck discomfort, a 'hunch back' for lack of a better term - but it potrudes (and is poofy) right under my hair line, super tired, yet unable to sleep, distraction, inability to find my words, balance issues, etc. in the ER I got a CAT scan and they noted Chiari, but no details. They kind of kicked me out and told me to call my doc on Monday to set up an appt w/ a neuro and an MRI. I am from Madison, WI area, so if you know of a good one...

Anywho, I will call tomorrow to get the process moving. I am hearing lots of stories about people waiting and waiting and waiting to get someone to help them. What should I ask? What should I do? The only thing I fear is financially being able to take off work if surgery is needed. But I have a rich Daddy (God)! :)

P.S. I was sooooo encouraged by a few stories of hope and healing. I believe in God and know His ways are above mine, so whatever happens, happens. But I'm glad He brought me to this community.

[selmaS]

  Hi...yes, u can not have metal in ur body for a MRI and that is needed b4 u see the Dr.....the more they know what is going on the better they can devise a plan of action.

Take a deep breathe and remember to exhale : )

[Bflywarrior]

Hi SelmaS!!  Thanks for the welcome!  

The nurses called yesterday to ask me the "do you have metal in your body" questions for the MRI.  I am thinking that takes time to set up.  The neuro won't see me till I have that, which I guess makes sense as the MRI is the best way of figuring things out, right?

I work in a call center, with a headset on, all day and have noticed that I get pressure headaches daily.  Maybe because of the headset.  Since Friday, the left side of my face has been "asleep".  Not the excrutiating asleep, but tingly.  At times, the left side of my cheek and my tongue go numb.  

So, I hurry up and wait.  Grateful for this community!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Waiting is a big part of this as the medical professionals and INS comps do not move fast.....


We do have a list of Drs that members here have been to, treated by and liked,,...the list is not a referral nor an endorsement, it is here for ur use to research them....we also have a list of questions for the NS....these are both in our Health Pages - http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=186

  I had the hyperventilating while talking too...for yrs ,,.,.had no idea what was going on....much of what u mentioned can be Chiari symptoms...not all NS's will accept all of them as Chiari symptoms so we do have a list of "unoffical symptoms" as a thread here.

Know u r not alone <3

[Bflywarrior]

Symptoms have been steady over last year, have increased over past two weeks and are consistent since Friday.

[Bflywarrior]

Warm flashes. Like sweating. Feverish. Ears 'plugged'. Orbs, every once in a while. Hyperventilate (run out of air) during conversations. 'Shaking' body. People keep asking if I'm cold. I don't necessarily notice it. Jaw pain. Is this all related?