Post surgical problems 2ys out

[Carey4]

Decompression surgery saved my life back in 2012, however recently the symptoms have now returned leading me to wonder if a second surgery is necessary or if I should see a different neuro doc?  Any thoughts or experience with this?

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It is possible that  the weather could be affecting you....most of us feel like walking barometers....

But it is also possible to develop other related conditions post op as well...

And another possibility is what are your daily activities...as they can also cause set backs...

When was the last time you spoke with your NS?

Last MRI?

[dmosser]

Hi all,

I am also 2 yrs post op, and my symptoms have been increasing by the week.
Pressure headaches, fatigue, cognitive issues, neck and back pain, also my hands keep going cold and numb. To many issues to list, I was also curious if anyone notices a difference in emotion's when pressure headaches are worse.
I live in a small town and high altitude we get a lot of storm's here and winter's are very cold with lot's of snow.
I am wondering if this can be a factor in my recovery? I am at a point where I barley go out of the house because I feel so bad, I don't want to live like this anymore..
Thanks you

[jcrun]

Hello There,

I am having the same problem. I am 4 years post op for PFD and 1 year for Titanium Plate. My pre PFD symptoms are returning....

My first surgery was a disaster and I should have had the bovine patch removed but my original NS refused. I had a severe and prolonged case of aseptic meningitis which required me to be on Dexamethasone for FOUR months and my spinal WBC count was close to 600, had a CSF leak and developed a Pseudomen. Still NS would not replace the patch.

Because of on-going dural headaches Dr. Bejjani put in a titanium plate. Was good for about 8 months and now things are going downhill again. A lot of Neuro. symptoms if I exert or use my upper body.

I am seeing Dr. Bejjani next week and am going to push to get this patch out once and for all and see if I have scar tissue blocking things.

Are you scheduled to see your/a NS? I would certainly see a CM expert and have yourself evaluated. I understand it is no uncommon for symptoms to return and require a second surgery. Best Wishes and please report how you are doing. JC

[Elisaandbucky]

Hi and welcome to a safe and encouraging place. Selma has asked you great questions, and the answers will help to determine a second surgery.

I read that many people experience a return of symptoms, and the response is that you should keep detailed, dated notes for a neurosurgeon to review. I hope that you have a support system in place during your very difficult days. Know that other posters care about you and want to keep up to date with your experiences/pain.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It is possible to require a 2nd surgery 2 yrs post op...it may be the result of the surgery itself (failed) or could be a related underlying condition you are not aware of.

By a result of surgery I refer to a failed patch, or cerebral ptosis( brain slump) too much bone removed, scar tissue formed....

May I ask do you know what all was done during your surgery? Some do a less invasive procedure and if symptoms return then it may need to be redone this  time more invasive (open dura)

' Sometimes it is the related conditions that can also affect us as we heal...were ALL related conditions ruled out?