Police Officer

[wkadrmas]

I have learned that I have a Chiari Malformation.  I don't know the extent of my problem yet.  I am going to be going Mayo Clinic in MN.  I am a police officer and I am really worried about not being able to go back to work.  I don't have real severe headaches like some people do.  I do have them but it is a dull pain that comes and goes.  My big thing is getting my sleep apnea under control.  I am not really sure what to expect.  The main thing is I don't want to get worse.  ???????

[selmaS]

  I am sorry you did not get the info you wanted to hear......but I do hope you will stick around for support and share your journey with us....as we all have had loss of goals and dreams too.....and understand how you feel.

[HoudeN]

Thanks for your insight but that's just not what im looking for

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum,

The member you are addressing your comments to is no longer an active member.....to post to current members look at the date on the post to see when it was created .....you will get a better response from current threads.

Keeping in mind most of us that are older did not have the MRI to have a DX of Chiari b4 taking on positions that today may not be allowed as we had no idea or way to know if we had it let alone what it was....Chiari is not well known but ore common then MS....

It may be possible for you to get into forensic police work....still a way to serve.....

[HoudeN]

Were you sworn in with knowledge of your Chiari because I'm 15 and I have always wanted to protect and serve but I was told I couldn't I was born with Chiari and was told no every which way I just want for once to be able to fulfill my dreams but it seems that it will just be another door shut in my face I would like to know any in site would be helpful thank you

[redkim]

Thanks for your service, my husband is also a police officer, so I know how demanding the job can be.  Both physical and stressful, both of which can affect symptoms.  I had surgery almost two years ago and can say I have problems with some physical things, which have imporved the further out from surgery.  Lifting is a big no-no for me, that almost always increased the pressure, it will usually subside over a few hours.

I have heard people on here talk about how stress affects them, and that is true for me also.  I don't think any of us can say one way or the other if you would be able to continue your career as a police officer.  I know if it was me, I don't think I would.  I also know of some people who are working phycially demanding jobs.  Some people are still active.  I personally still figure skate, just not as much as I used to. I still ride a motorcycle, but feel aweful afterwards, lol.  I work full-time, but found trying to go to school to demanding and stressful to continue.

Everyone is different, and at different stages in their life and Chiari.  Sometimes we do have to give up certain things, a career you love would be devestating for someone. You'll know what's the right choice for you and when it's time to make that choice.

[Brooklynn07]

Hello!

This is the place to go to for information for sure!

I am not trying to "scare" you from going to the Mayo Clinic, but wanted to warn you before you go. After being dx myself I decided to go to Mayo. They are a great clinic and take alot of time trying to get to the bottom of things. However unless you have severe symptoms they don't help alot. The NS I saw there told me that 80% of people that have had Chiari surgery from him wish they hadn't had the surgery! Also the NL and the NS didn't agree on what was causing the symptoms.

I highly recommend going to a Chiari specialist like was already mentioned. I know this may mean traveling farther, but it is well worth it. Before seeing a specialist I saw three NS who all told me they wouldn't recomend surgery because it doesn't help and it would just make it worse. Found out later that the Chiari doctor I saw has personally had to fix surgeries that these doctors had done!

So sorry that you are here because you are sick, but at least you now know of others going through the same things! Thanks for your hard work keeping your community safe!

[wkadrmas]

Thank you for your info.   I will surely take it into consideration.  I know I am in the early stages of trying to find out what is all going on with me.  I have researched Mayo and I feel comfortable going to them.  I feel way better going there than to someone in ND which is my home state.  

[sanukilady]

Hi!

I'm new here too, and Selma is one to trust 110%.  She knows her stuff.  Do what you can to stay out there and keep us safe!  ^_^

[rod44]

Hi and welcome, There is not much I can add to the excellent advice Selma has given, getting a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon with good hands on experience of CM is most important. Getting checked for related conditions is equally important.

I pray this will not cause you too many problems and you can continue with your chosen career :)  

Ray.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It is diff to say u deff will or will not get worse, but chiari can be a life altering condition in that being active, such as in the line of ur profession can trigger ur symptoms to flare.

Be sure the NS u see is a true chiari specialist...where u go is important, but u sees u is even more so....

Sleep apnea is a big problem and there r many chiarians that deal with this issue......I know a few that have the C-pap machine and it is helpful to their sleep and rest.

One of the main things u want to do is rule out other related conditions like syringomyelia, tethered cord, inter-cranial hypertension, Ehlers-Danlos,overcrowding and a CSF blockage.

Once u have those answers it will make the next steps a little clearer.

We r happy to have u join us, but not happy for the reasons u had to seek us out.

"selma"