Hey Tara, I also am a Chiari Patient, diagnosed in 2003: Decompression in 2004:
I was relatively symptom free for about 3 yrs but pain and other symptoms are slowly returning to pre-surgical intensity. My best advice is to try all available options before choosing surgery, as it is a MAJOR surgery, which is not a cure all but a treatment to relieve symptoms. Also put together a superstar team of drs who are your biggest fans!