Hi there...I had my decompression 4 years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made. Although I was not experiencing all of the symptoms that you are (my primary symptom was the typical Chiari headache--explosive pain during straining or exertion), I was miserable and the surgery made a world of difference in my daily life. My best advice for the surgery itself may seem silly, but it made it much easier for me: go into the procedure with a positive attitude. I was almost excited to be having surgery, so I wasn't at all scared, and I came through with flying colors, and my family was calm and less worried, too. I was in the hospital for 4 days, then spent the next several weeks at my mom's (since I live alone on the 3rd floor, and they don't want you to climb steps).

The biggest thing my mom did for me was just be there. Again, a simple thing, but true. She stayed close during those first couple of weeks, and did small things for me while I rested and got readjusted to being upright. You can't lift things or clean or do any housework, so she would scoop the kitty litter and make the meals and do the laundry (it was in the basement). When I walked outside, she walked with me to make sure I did it, and to call 911 if I keeled over (I didn't). She also conspired with me to go on a short shopping trip at the end of the first week when I was feeling just too good, even though I shouldn't have.

Oh, and since I couldn't drive, and I had a number of bad days those first couple of weeks, she was very good about running out and getting medicine and a new heating pad for me. Moms are so great!

DianeElisabeth