Should I get surgery..?

[CaityLynn17]

I am 17 years old and I was diagnosed about 2 months ago. I've talked to a surgeon that has said I should get surgery but my parents and I wanted a second opinion. We are scheduled for another appointment this Thursday. I have been researching a lot about this and I am not sure what to do. I've had symptoms for 6 years now and they are only getting worse. I get headaches every time I laugh and/or cough. I heard that surgery is not a guaranteed fix. I don't want to get surgery if my problem is not going to be fixed. Any advice or suggestions help. Thank you.

[Mikef1980]

You are right surgery is not a guarantee fix but it will stop or help stop the progression of damage that is being done by the pressure on your spine. I am 1yr post op I am still dealing issues but I do say, my seizures have decreased dramatically along my headaches. But everybody's body is different and you have to do the surgery for you.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I would not be in a rush to have surgery, BUT I would have more testing done to make sure ALL related and non related conditions are ruled out...and  make sure you do not have a CSF obstruction or a syrinx as that left untreated can lead to more issues then the ones you have now.

The most important thing is to make sure  you see a true Chiari specialist.....getting other opinion is important as well.

  Also get copies of ALL testing.

As you said surgery will not fix or cure you and may not rid you of all of your symptoms, but with the right Dr you may have some symptoms lessen and help how you feel overall...

Find out just how your Chiari is not only affecting you with symptoms but how it is impacting  your overall health.

[lasel22]

Getting headaches after laughing is a symptom of chiari and one that does respond well to surgery.  My only advice would be to make sure your surgeon is a chiari specialist and not just a NS who does a handful of chiari surgeries per year.  Having the right surgeon that truly understands chiari and it's related conditions plays the biggest role in the outcome of your surgery, in my opinion.

[flipper336]

CaityLynn,
The only person that can answer your question about whether you should have surgery or not is you. This is your health you are talking about and you need to do what is in the best interest.