Hi Cindy,
I also have the crazy hiccups and trouble swallowing, both pre & post op. My swallowing trouble became so intense prior to my PFD and I didn't realize it was connected to CM, my PCP sent me to an ENT Dr. They ran some tests and found a "cyst" and swelling on my Back tonsils, with is not the ones they remove when we are kids, it's back belong the other tonsils. He had hoped that having the Decomp might resolve the problem, but it has not. There are times when even taking a small bite of a cracker can't be swallowed without water to get it down..does that sound familar? Bottom line is that my ENT believes that the tonsil growth and the Chiari are related somehow, it is worth checking out.
Take care and let us know
Beverly
PTC/LP w/LP shunt 3 revisions so far
CM1 w/6.8mm & 40% flow
PFD w/cran..lamin.. thigh graft