mssarah79

Close Arnold-Chiari Malformation

I have been having medical problems for the last 4 years since my daughter was born. Before then, I didn't seem to have any problems. I started getting urinary tract infections, excruciating headaches, problems with nausea and vomiting, reflux, stomach pains like irritable bowel syndrome, pains throughout my body, constant fatigue, and so any other symptoms I can't even think of. I have been sent from specialist to specialist and basically either been told everything is "fine" or they will find some small problem and not be able to figure out what it's related to. Throughout all of this, I have been treated for depression and anxiety and I am starting to wonder if it all stemmed from the stress of these other issues. My headaches were often ignored and just told they were migraines or sinus headaches since I have always had allergies. A few months ago I got fed up-I told my PCP I wanted to see an ENT because he kept telling me to take my allergy med and nasal spray, which I have and I was having excruciating headaches and it has affected everything-my schoolwork, and occupation because I have not been working for a while. The ENT tested my allergies, did CT of my sinuses and said they were fine; he proceeded by sending me to a neurologist. I had been on Topamax for while which had been helping as well; when I saw the neurologist, which took a few months, he gave me a little higher dose. He was also concerned thought that I still had headaches and blurry vision, and some dizziness. He decided I needed an MRI and MRA because there is history of stroke on my dad's side. Well, yesterday I found out that I have Chiari Malformation type 1. I am scared, but also relieved after 4 years of bullshit to know what's going on and thankful to be dealing with a great dr. He is the main Dr of Neurology at the Dept of Neurology at Univ of Toledo and so far my experiences have been good with them. So I will now be starting to research if my best possible option is to wait things out or opt for surgery.

Treatments

Prozac Somewhat Helpful

Meditation Somewhat Helpful