Second surgery?

[angie_zagami]

I received my decompression surgery almost 2 years ago, but am still experiencing severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and pins/needles in my hands and feet. During my surgery I received a laminectomy and duraplasty, but my cerebral tonsils were not shrunken with a laser. All my post op scans look normal, but i am still extremely symptomatic of Chiari and really need advice. No pain meds help the headache, and it is constantly there - can range from a 5-10+. Worsened with exertion and valsalva maneuvers. SOS! has anyone experienced this? If so, what helped you?

[selmaS]

  Hi...it sounds like it could be a few things going on....your syrinx's could be part of it....so a MRI to check it there are changes...next, were ALL related conditions ruled out?

There are many related conditions that have the same or similar symptoms to Chiari....so they should be ruled out too..

For example if you have Ehlers-Danlos and a dura patch was used and it was foreign material it could be causes your symptoms as your body may be rejecting the patch.

So it is important to know and take precautions...as these issues can cause set backs post op.

[angie_zagami]

My last MRI was in December at the 1 year anniversary of surgery. I do have a few syrinxes in my cervical spine and one in my spinal cord (they were present before surgery, too). Any exertion makes my headache worse (bending, coughing, sneezing, even laughing...). My mom and i recently saw a pain management doctor who suggested i receive an occipital nerve block, but we are both wary of getting this. Thanks for your advice!

[Lottida]

Just curious as to when was ur last MRIs??  You may need to have MRIs done of the brain & entire spine but definitely notify your NS of your symptoms.........some people have problems due to scar tissue or brain slumping or just not enough decompression which can cause a syrinx or cause your Chiari symptoms to return sooner.   Most of us do have the return of symptoms at some point despite having the surgery.   You will have to also notice what activities make your symptoms worse & try to avoid those.  As for the Valsalva headaches, you should probably take a stool softner or increase the fiber in your diet to avoid straining.  Listen to your body........maybe you are doing too much as your body is probably still adjusting.  Hope you get some relief soon!!! :)