Is surgery worth it?

Question

Hi everyone :) I was diagnosed with Chiari back in August after getting a series of scans to address severe recurring migraines and numbness. They then did a spinal MRI and discovered a syrinx in my spinal cord. This concerned my neurosurgeon and he strongly recommended getting decompression surgery as soon as possible. I'm a sophomore in college, 20 years old, and a musician. I'd probably get the surgery at the beginning of this summer as soon as classes end, so based on your experiences do you think I would be able to return as a full-time student in the fall? I'm worried about the recovery time and what it could mean for my music and studies. Is the surgery worth it at all? 
Thank you all so much and God bless, every post on here has always been so helpful and the support is amazing.

ShortyC17 · Answer

Hi there.. I was diagnosed with Chiari about 3 months ago I'm 3 weeks post surgery and currently a full time student as well. Also a full time mom of 4 and had a job previously. I have been feeling pretty alright. But some days are hard. I can't focus on homework and I just need relaxation time . u may be diff becuz ur not juggling 4 kids (14,12,11,2 yr olds) I think if u believe it can help its worth it. Nothing is impossible.. Just remember to give ur self time and listen to ur body. Dont over do it. 
I'm still debating if I'll go back full time to school in fall. Right now I'm doing part time online and sometimes struggle. 
Best of luck hun.

selmaS · Answer

EDS is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome....many with Chiari do have it and if you have a true Chiari specialist they will test you for it and recognize it. That is how I found out. Those with EDS not only are slower to heal but have issues with meds not working the way they should, anesthesia not working correctly and we tend to have allergic reactions to meds, and foreign matter....so surgery where they may place a patch it is very important to know so you do not have a reaction to a patch....mind was harvested from my scalp so I would not reject it.

selmaS · Answer

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

 First, yes my surgery was worth it and I would do it again if it was needed...and I did not have a syrinx but I did have a CSF obstruction so surgery was done to help prevent a syrinx from forming.

 As to will you be up to full time studies in the fall? I have no idea.....I am older then you and was when I had surgery plus I have other related conditions like EDS which makes me a slow healer......so I would not have been able to go back to school full time in that time frame...it is soon....and it does take time to heal from this surgery even if you don't have EDS BUT make sure ALL related conditions are ruled out b4 surgery and make sure your Dr is a true Chiari specialist.