QUESTION OF THE MONTH ~~~

[selmaS]

  Hi ALL...wondering....

What do u feel is the biggest CHANGE to u since ur DX?

[drewlevas]

What changed in my life is that after years and years to be told that all my pains and symptomes where in my head as in crazy. I finaly learned that I am not crazy and that it is all literaly in my physical head.

At least now I have a reason to feel like I do. And I can talk back to people who say that I imagine that I feel stange, and not well.

[selmaS]

  I have to say this, I am so happy I had surgery it was a great success...I do have other issues I am still dealing with....this is y I feel it is important to tell people the truth, no sugar coating...and as Viv said those that do well leave and go on with their lives...those that stick around do do bcuz they have more issues or r just starting out like u....

Finding the right Dr is key to doing better post op....I did great...and was very happy with my Drs.....

Many of the related conditions can cause symptoms similar to Chiari so, if u r not aware of them as many do not they feel the surgery was a failure...when in fact that aspect went well....some have set backs trying to get back to a normal life too soon....we have to learn to be patient, listen to our bodies and know ALL that is going on to feel better....one surgery is not like flipping a all better switch....JMHO

No one means to scare u, but this surgery does have risks, and knowing all u can can minimize those.

[Viva001]

The ones who recover completely--or nearly so--leave, and go back to their lives.  Who can blame them?  We're happy for them, but it would be great to hear how they are doing.

[girlinxile]

I would say the same.. realizing all these things I just used to deal with were actual symptoms of something else.. knowing I wasn't crazy after all.. lol

Or maybe I am :)

And you guys scare the crap out of me with your post op stuff. I hardly see anyone who feels tons better :(

[keepswimming]

Having to quit working in Dec 2012 has been the biggest change. I've been working since age 14. So now I am waiting for a medical discharge from my beloved army....yes, Still for those who remember me as this name or warriormomma
Good things: more compassion, no longer fiercely independent and will rely on others
Most importantly, I finally found peace through Jesus Christ. Instead of walking ahead of him I allow him to carry me at times. And that is OK :)

[selmaS]

  So true...we can sit and watch life go by or hang on...I choose to hang on too....no matter what I have thrown at me....

Yes, some days are tougher then others....but we t strong enuff to get thru them....I feel those with Chiari are made stronger by dealing with it for so long.

I feel Chiari is what made me who I am.....I am this way for a reason....

  I know I may not have tried to do many of the things I am now trying...hobby wise....I have surprised myself at painting, and it excites me to try more....not sure if I would have found that hobby with out Chiari.

Got to go, my painting show is on right now...lol...TTYL