Hey there!

I've never posted any threads before but I am looking for some information on my conditions. (i posted this same thing in the newcomers place but I figured this would be a better place to post it)

First of all, I have just been disgnosed with Chiari Malformation type I. I've done a bunch of research so I have a good idea of whats going on but now it looks like surgery might be the only option and thats what makes me nervous. I have an 11mm protrousion as far as my chiari goes and my syrnix went from 8mm long and 2mm wide to 2cm long by 3mm wide in 5 months. I have a neurologist appointment to find out exactly what this means in a month but the only information regarding an average central canal said that on average it is 13mm wide. HOWEVER it also says that if fluid fills this (where the syrnix is) that it can cause damage or even destroy the nerves that are in there. ACK! According to my doctor, it doesn't matter if it goes up and down the spine, as long as it doesn't widen but that contradicts the research I've done. Anyone out there with information about this?

The second thing I have a question about it that during my last MRI I found out that i have developed a kink in my brain stem. I can't seem to find out what times means or what problems this can cause. The only information I can find was on ONE source regarding a brain stem kink and it say that it can be potentially fatal if not corrected. IS THIS RIGHT?! All my doctor said was "ha, you have a kinky brain stem. Thats funny!" And yes, I am serious! These are the kind of doctors I have to work with here! HELP ME PLEASE!

So, I was wondering if anyone out there has any information about this they can give me. My doctor has told me that I can't do push-ups, sit-ups, run, jump, squat, lift more than 20 lbs or be on my feet for more than 30 minutes. I was also was wondering are these just precautions or can these things really make my condition worse. I am in the military so I figured maybe they were just over reacting but if anyone has any information regarding anything I would really appriciate it! Or even if someone has a similar experiance they would like to share, ANY INFORMATION AT ALL IS WELOME PLEASE!!! I want to be able to get this taken care of and if all I have access to is the doctors they have been giving me, I have a feeling it will be a LONG time before things get fixed. Thanks for your help!!!