On February 19 I had decompression surgery for Chiari malformation and syrinx. I had a 2cm syrinx at C1-2 and a 4cm syrinx at T4-5. For all intents and purposes the surgery was successful. The intense headaches when I sneezed or coughed have stopped, the pain and tingling in my back L) arm and L) leg have gone. Even the incontinence has gone.
But my surgery went wrong. The dural patch wouldn't hold and kept leaking. I had an External Ventricular Drain inserted and removed 3 times and each time they left it in a little longer, but I kept having CSF leaks through the surgical site. On March 19 (after a month in ICU / HDU), I had a programmable VP shunt inserted. The leak stopped straight away, and after 10 days, I entered rehab where I spent 6 weeks. Rehab? Yes. I now have all the symptoms of a stroke without the stroke. I have R) sided weakness. All down my right side it feels like a dental local anaesthetic is wearing off - pins and needles. I have aphasia (difficulty with my speech) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). After almost 7 months I can walk for about 10-15 mins before I just can't go on any more. My R) arm is useless, I can't even brush my teeth or hair. I haven't been able to work since and I don't see myself returning in the near future (I'm an aged care nurse). Has anyone else had a similar experience? I am so close to suing my doctor, but not sure where to begin