New diagnosis of Chiari Malformation.

[lukergirl]

I am scared, I am a single mother of two, no help or family.  I work as an STNA and  when using a hoyer lift and re positioning a resident a pop was in my back, then muscle spasms.  I went to the dr.  They said it was muscle sprain of the thoracic spine, My work insisted i see their dr.s I went, they said sprain of the cervical and thoracic spine and possible muscle damage in shoulder.  I went for an MRI on Sat. Morning, Sunday at work at aprox 3 am, I was once again harassed by co workers and the RN and left to care for a resident despite my telling her i couldn't and that I was on light duty.  When puting on her shoe my neck popped and again the warm pain and spasming muscles. They sent me to the hospital.  The drs. there and MOHP said that I had a bulging disk and that i have chiari malformation.  The drs are now wanting me to see a neurologist and all ask the same questions did i have symptoms of this as a child.  My answer is no.  I am in so much pain, both arms now are aching, the upper part of my head this week is heavy and sore...my entire back is stiff as the muscles in my upper back ache constantly and now my lower back is stiff, trying to work now on light duty my legs tremble.  The dr. said they wanted to see if this was from the work injury.  If it is will i need surgery.  Both times in the ER and in the Dr. office they had me try to resist their pressure with my arms and wrists etc etc and i could barely do it.... they both said common resist it..I said i am.  I can barely open the heavy doors at work and have to grab with both hands to open it.  IS this muscle damage or from the chiari malformation....Can they fix this without surgery... I am terrified, and the harassment at work is still on going.  It just feels like too much to bare.

[selmaS]

lukergirl- Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum. First let me say I thought I did not have symptoms as a child either until I learned more as to what symptoms they meant...as many times with congenital conditions we grow accustomed to symptoms and do not consider them symptoms of anything ...we consider how we feel to be "normal"....and not until things worsen do we take notice.So do not be too quick to dismiss the possibility that you did have symptoms especially since Chiari symptoms cycle and change  all the time.
Surgery does not fix this...surgery is done to help restore CSF flow...Chiari is not the herniation but the malformation of the skull.....I had surgery and have no regrets but can still have issues from time to time....as Chiari does not come alone and I do have other related conditions.
Report the issues at work.....ADA should be able to help you with that