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Avatar universal

Surgery?

I'm gathering from the posts I've read that surgery for the Chiari Malformation only produces temporary results.  If the problem is that there's not enough room for the brain and the surgery makes room, why do the symptoms come back?  And if the come back, why have the surgery?
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Avatar universal
Thank you Selma, will cont to take all this a day at a time. Wil try to relax more, positive thoughts. I see my GP this week so will try to push for earlier NS appt if possible.
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  My symptoms were relieved post op...not all were gone immediately post op but as I healed over time more and more symptoms have left.

I did not have a flattening of my brain stem....it sounds like u may have a retroflexed odontoid...I do have that but mine was not completely turned....the odontoid can put pressure and flatten the brain stem....

They do an additional surgery or procedure during decompression if time allows to help this condition..

I agree these symptoms can be very frightening....but u can get thru this one day at a time.
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Avatar universal
Hi Selma, thank you for both replies. I try to relax, but do get concerned, symptoms can be frightening. I will def discuss with. MD re; the gall bladder Surg. Did your numbness, swallowing clear up eventually after your decompression ? Did you also have flattening of your brainstem, as in can that be common with chiari ?  Thank you
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  The symptoms u listed are deff ones I also had....and be advised they will come and go,,,,,I am glad ur swallowing got better as that was a difficult one for me to deal with too....

I also would gag when ever I would laugh...to the point of vomiting....really no fun.....then u get a nasty HA as a result....

Stress from worry will make u feel worse so do try to relax....<3
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi.... As long as ur surgeon is aware one that u have Chiari and they monitor ur oxygen as the drugs used to put us under can slow breathing...and y many NS's put us in ICU after decompression surgery...to be safe/cautious.

U will want to know as with the decompression surgery if u have EDS as it can affect how u feel and heal after ne surgery.....Those with EDS tend to not respond to meds and even anesthesia....and those with the fragile skin may not heal,,,,,and skin can tear so staples are not always used...my Drs used surgical glue and sterri strips.

  But u need to address this issue if it is something ur Dr is advising.....talk to him/her in regards to ur Chiari DX.

Keep us posted on the scheduling of ur GB surgery so we can post a Prayer Thread.
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Avatar universal
Hello, I am waiting for my referral appt with Dr Reid in Victoria B.C.  In the meantime I am resting lots & trying to hang on til more appts. I continue to have some  tingling/minor numbness in my lower arms, & slight on left side of tongue. Have you or others experienced this as well ? My swallowing has improved, thank goodness. I do get worried, as I do not want permanent paralysis. My mri said I have mild compression of foramen, & some flattening of medula. Thank you
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Avatar universal
Hi Selma, my Dr. wants me to have my gallbladder out. I am nervous with having chiari. Do you know of any possible complications ? I have multiple gallstones, & had a attack over a year ago. Thank you .
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707040 tn?1473944794
The only thing I'd add is that sometimes there can be scar tissue that develops after surgery and then could again slow fluid flow.... we are thinking that may be the problem for my son, who is now 20.  
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Avatar universal
Thanks y'all, that makes sense!
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Avatar universal
Hi.,

I think selma has clearly explained.

let me add a few points that come  to my knowledge  why some are successful and some are not .

1.inadequate decompression-Some times the dr cannot judge from MRIs as to how much compression is really needed ., and end up doing inadequate compression., which means that the cause is not treated properly .hence the symptoms bounce back .

2.some time there may be other chronic conditions (co -morbidity ) for eg diabetes which might influence the surgical outcomes

3There are several  other conditions related to chiari  which have the same symptoms as chiari .,That means in real chiari might not be the full culprit.,Thus treating chiari alone might not help or might be only of help for a short time .


It is important that you consult some one well versed in treating chiari so that  apart from successes they are aware of the failure and reasons for it  too .
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi,,,,no, surgery is meant to restore CSF flow and slow progression....with out surgery it may possibly get worse.

Symptoms may return for a number of reasons and some of them could be a failed surgery, or an underlying related condition not found b4 surgery, and last it can be perm nerve damage from delayed treatment....those with a syrinx or never compression if left too long can be perm so some pains and numbness may remain.

The reason we have surgery is to prevent the condition from getting worse.
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