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Avatar universal

PLEASE ADVICE!!

I finally saw a neurologist today. He said my Chiari was 5mm and doesnt seem too concerned but wants to make sure i dont have a Syringomyelia...so next is another MRI of spine/neck. My symptoms arent too severe, but the doc told me NO for Topamax and never mentioned or offered me a plan of action for when im really hurting!! What are you guys taking for pain?? Or preventative meds for migraines?? Im scared and dont know what to do!
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Avatar universal
Thank you ladies!!!! erica98lynn,did you go on disability or did u find less challenging work?
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12621100 tn?1426302992
Selma so happy for you!!! Also thank you for being so kind!
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12621100 tn?1426302992
Bethnicole I am or used to be a stylist myself but unable to work because my body won't let me. I'm also 35 yrs old with two children so I hear your pain and deep worries. First like to say I'm sorry and we shall conquer this hun! One day at a time
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  As long as you have the right Dr , they are a true Chiari specialist and ALL related conditions are ruled out or compensated for surgery should not leave you off worse then you are now....in fact with time you should be better....this can take time...again depending on you and how you heal....

I am 6 yrs (this May) post op and with each year I am doing better...then I was b4 surgery.....and I am much older then you....so if I can do it then I am sure you can as well....the key is having the right Dr and ruling out ALL related conditions first.
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Avatar universal
I just want to know that I am going to be okay! This is scary. I'm a hairstylist and have been doing hair for 15 years...does this mean I'm going to be disabled for the rest of my life? I'm afraid if I have surgery then I'm going to get seizures or worse symptoms. I feel in limbo. I'm 35 years old,single mom and just scared...for the future. Thanks guys for the advice...anymore advice would be helpful! This is all new to me and very scary!
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi...I had a few surgeries b4 I was DX'd with my Chiari and I noticed then that  most pain meds did not have an effect on most of my pain, so I didn't take anything but ibuprofen like the above poster.....it is better to adjust your activities to help prevent a flare up of pain then to try to lessen it with meds.

It also sounds like the Dr you are seeing may not be a true Chiari specialist if he/she is only looking at your cervical spine for Syringomyelia....a syrinx can form anywhere in the spine so the thoracic and lumbar spine need a MRI as well.

As I said the best preventive for migraines or a flare of symptoms and pain is avoiding doing the activities that will cause them as well as learning to listen to our bodies....stop when we get tired and rest....find new ways to relax.....be it meditation, or a good soak in a warm water bath....we need to relax.....and know there are some things we will no longer be able to do without pain.
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Avatar universal
Thank you!!!! Do u have to take it daily? I will see what my doc says
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9432311 tn?1432825085
Hello. My go-to for pain is ibuprofen (800 mg). At that high dosage, you really need to ask your doctor. I take 400 mg every four hours on regular pain days, but every once in a while, I have an 800 mg day. Another thing that proves to work for me is Exedrine extra strength. Again, ask your doctor first if you will be ok to take it. A cold compress on my forehead sometimes gives some relief. I hope you can find something that works for you. Keep up with your posts.
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