Nervous - just need to vent a bit

[nephthys43]

Hi all! I just need to vent a bit and get it out.

I've been having headaches and pressure in my head for about 5-6 years now. My primary doctor seemed to think it was all in my head and just kept offering me muscle relaxers (it's not muscle pain).

I made a new friend in October who works for a chiro and she told me to come in and see if they can help. I go in and they do the work up, adjust me, start me on some exercises, and so on. I continue on this regimen for over a month with no huge change. They decide to send me for a neck MRI. Ok. Cool. I go and take my 20 minute nap in the noisy machine and await my results.

So... Here's why I'm nervous. Not only do I have a herniated disc in my neck, but I have a condition where part of my brain squishes into my spine and blocks the flow of fluid. Apparently there's no medical (pharmaceutical) treatment. Only surgery. They have to cut into my neck and widen the holes in my skull and first vertebrae. I'll be out of commission for 4-6 weeks and I live alone. With a dog. This is not going to be a fun, relaxing summer. My mother has offered to help afterwards, but I may have to restrain myself from killing her. I love her, but I can only imagine how much I'm going to want to kick her out of my house after a couple of days. At least I don't have cable and won't have to listen to her favorite reality shows.

Ok... That's about it... Thanks for listening if you got this far!

 

[pigletgirl]

As much of a inconvenience it'll be, I'd say it would be worth it just so the pain is gone. Is there another family member/friend who would help?

 

[nephthys43]

As much of a inconvenience it'll be, I'd say it would be worth it just so the pain is gone. Is there another family member/friend who would help?

My neighbor, who is one of my closest friends, would. But she and her hubby work nights so I don't want to inconvenience them too much.

My sister's may help a bit. One more so than the other (wish I could insert a smilie here) but they can't really take off from work. My dad would be the one who would annoy me least. He sits and reads or plays with the dog, but he'd forget I was here and he doesn't drive.

My mom works for a pretty big company and they're very giving when it comes to employees taking time off for family. So she's the logical choice. I know I'm just going to have to grin and bear it when I get asked 16 times why all my medicine is in the kitchen instead of the bathroom or why I chose to have black bath mats and a yellow dog. Like I said... I love her. I just think she still believes I'm 12.

 

[*JoGo*]

I'm so sorry!
I have always had headaches starting at a young age which progressed to migraines. Last year during my annual MRI for a different health issue, they found I have a genetic brain mutation which causes headaches/migraines. Currently, nothing is being done but if my migraines become worse, surgery is the only option. I remember how I felt when I first found out. I am really sorry you are facing this. Try to focus on life afterwards, pain free. And if your mom is driving you crazy, take another pain pill! kidding! I'd try to find someone else to help you also. Frame it as giving her a break.

 

[Schubert001]

I just wanted to let you know I had this surgery 2 years ago and it changed my life. I went from daily headaches, feeling like my neck was going to snap off to being pain free 48 hours after surgery. I was in the hospital for 3 days and then home for 10 days. I was back to all regular activities: working, driving, taking care of the kids and house 14 days after surgery.

I would just say to make sure you have a neurosurgeon who specializes in what I believe to be your diagnosis. Good Luck!

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Oh, Im so sorry!! I hate it when Drs assume something is "just in your head" without doing the proper test!! Good luck with your surgery!

 

[nephthys43]

I just wanted to let you know I had this surgery 2 years ago and it changed my life. I went from daily headaches, feeling like my neck was going to snap off to being pain free 48 hours after surgery. I was in the hospital for 3 days and then home for 10 days. I was back to all regular activities: working, driving, taking care of the kids and house 14 days after surgery.

I would just say to make sure you have a neurosurgeon who specializes in what I believe to be your diagnosis. Good Luck!

I have one of the best in the state. Another perk of my mom. Her boss had the same condition and he's been pain free since the surgery. He's the one who told me which neuro to go to. I just can't wait til I can shave my legs without feeling like I'm going to pass out. Or cough. Or stand up quickly.

 

[nephthys43]

Oh, Im so sorry!! I hate it when Drs assume something is "just in your head" without doing the proper test!! Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks! And I agree. I was starting to think I really was imagining it. She sent me for an xray like 4 years ago and pretty much said, it shows nothing, so there's nothing wrong. I have only been back to her twice and I am currently shopping for a new primary. I had a scratched cornea and she told me it was pink eye. Even after I told her my bf elbowed me in the eye.

 

[christineann]

Is the diagnosis a chiari malformation?

 

[nephthys43]

Is the diagnosis a chiari malformation?

ding ding ding!!!

 

[HsvTeacher]

I also have a Chiari malformation, and thankfully, I've been able to avoid surgery. Have you seen a neurosurgeon?

I panicked when I first found out that was what was causing my problems, but my neurosurgeon has been able to treat it with medication.

One tip: Stay far away from a chiropractor until you've been given an all clear from your neurosurgeon.

 

[nephthys43]

I also have a Chiari malformation, and thankfully, I've been able to avoid surgery. Have you seen a neurosurgeon?

I panicked when I first found out that was what was causing my problems, but my neurosurgeon has been able to treat it with medication.

One tip: Stay far away from a chiropractor until you've been given an all clear from your neurosurgeon.

i'm done with the chiro for now. as soon as they found the herniated disc they stopped everything.

i'm mostly ok with it. heck, after they told me about it, i explained it to people by saying my brain was too big and was trying to escape. my mother's boss has the same condition and since he's a doctor and recommended this surgeon, i think i'm less worried then i would be.

 

[Tralliam]

I was going to ask if it was a Chiari Malformation. I have an amazing friend who is a true inspiration that is terminal due to Chiari as well as cancer. She has created a foundation.

https://www.facebook.com/ChiariWarriors

Here is an article about her.

Part I
http://sheslosingit.net/2013/02/12/chiari-warrior/

Part II
http://sheslosingit.net/2013/02/15/chiari-warrior-going-viral/

PM me if you have any questions or would like to know how to to get intouch with her.

 

[SandrA9810]

You could always look up how long your insurance will cover rehab and in home health care. That might lessen the need for your mom, or for her to come out so quickly.

 

[Piper]

It is tough to be by yourself, but you can do it. I had a plate and 8 screws in my neck. They did an incision from the front so this is right behind my esophagus. My doctor prescribed a hospital bed (which the insurance paid for 6 weeks.) I live alone and while my sister came to the hospital...no one went home with me. I had prepared some meals ahead of time and froze them.

It wasn't easy, but I totally took care of myself. I didn't let them give me morphine after the end of the surgery day...just took motrin. I slept most of the first week and followed doctor's orders exactly as to exercise. i did have PT come in twice a week and did just what they said.

It isn't easy, but you can do this by yourself if you have to.

 

[indimom]

You could always look up how long your insurance will cover rehab and in home health care. That might lessen the need for your mom, or for her to come out so quickly.

I was going to suggest this also. I would think that living alone would make some sort of in-home health care an option, at least for some of your recovery time. Check with your insurance company and get whatever paperwork you need lined up in advance. Good Luck with the surgery.

 

[nephthys43]

I was going to suggest this also. I would think that living alone would make some sort of in-home health care an option, at least for some of your recovery time. Check with your insurance company and get whatever paperwork you need lined up in advance. Good Luck with the surgery.

Thanks! I checked with my insurance and they do cover home health care. Maybe I won't have to rely on mom so much.

 

[minniecarousel]

What a relief it must be to find out what's wrong and that there is a "fix". Surgery is never a wonderful thing to look forward to, but it sounds like your answer. As far as your first week of recovery, I say suck it up and have Mom come and mother you for that amount of time. Since you also have a dog, you need to remember that need too.

Good luck!