I had Chiari decompression surgery on November 12, 2010. I also have RA (diagnosed about 5 years ago). Many of the Chiari symptoms I was experiencing were attributed to my RA until the symptoms got so severe that my Rheumatologist determined they could not be part of the RA based on the treatment I was receiving and referred me to a Neurologist. Because I have RA, I'm more suseptable to acquiring other auto-immune system disorders so it was a relief when the MRI showed Chiari I malformation with a 1.7cm protrusion into my spinal column as the diagnosis.

I was barely able to walk before the surgery, complete lack of balance, had nearly constant eye twitching and also had occasional episodes inability to swallow and of difficulty breathing (felt like I ran a marathon and couldn't catch my breath when I hadn't done any physical activity) I only had severe headaches when I sneezed or coughed so I'm grateful I didn't suffer the severe constant headaches that others have.

Thankfully, I have a great primary care physician and she and the Neurologist researched Neurosurgeons and found a fantastic one in my medical system. She specializes in Chiari I malformation in both childrens and adults. I'm also extremely thankful (after reading through posts by others) that she does NOT believe in cutting into the dura lining unless it is absolutely necessary. She did tell me that there is a risk during surgery that the lining ruptures because of the fluid pressure and she would then (obviously) have to do the patch. Luckily, the surgery went very well and my lining stayed intact.

I had surgery on Friday and was home on Monday. I actually felt so much better right after the surgery, even considering they cut through my neck muscles, because of how severe my symptoms were. I still have to deal with the RA but that is relatively minor compared to how I was before the surgery.

The symptoms I am dealing since the surgery that I'm finding difficult are that I cry at the drop of a hat (I have never been someone who crys easily). A sappy song will come on the radio and I find myself in tears. I also have tons of anxiety now. I feel a bit like and emotional basket-case, easily overwhelmed and not as able to deal with stress. I have dealt with my RA for 5 years, the Chiari symptoms that got so horribly bad, and the surgery pretty well so it seems odd and irrational that I would become a bit of an emotional trainwreck AFTER the surgery that helped me so much. Anyone else dealing with emotional issues or am I just a nut case?

Hello there,

I had my decompression surgery May 13th 2010. I'm not sure how long ago you left your post about experiencing emotional issues post surgery, but in case you are still experiencing it I wanted to reassure you that I experienced exactly the same thing.

My first week or so after the surgery seemed ok (but I was also taking dexmethasone to help with the brain swelling during this initial period). After this time I became an emotional wreck...ALOT of crying (like every day!), incredible anxiety (about everything you can imagine)...I felt so awful that I started seeing a psychologist...he was amazing but looking back it just takes time and whole lot of patience. The first few months were the worst but it has certainly calmed and settled more and more every month since then.

I don't really understand the reason, but it's iike the surgery stir's a whole lot of things up and let's face it, makes you feel crazy at times!

Everyone seems to recover differently, but it has been a rollercoaster ride for me. Thank God above that there seems to be less crazy turns these days.

How long since your surgery? Are you feeling better?

Hope you are on the up and up.

Take care

Hi
I had surgery to remove my right first rib to free arterial and venous occlusion. Dx with TOS- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
I'm suffering anxiety at the moment because I know that I'm due another identical op for my left side, sometime in December.
Its still early days as I'm 2 months post op and recovering from the achy/muscle pulling sensations still.
Unfortunately I have gained a new symptom after my op. Pulsatile Tinnitus which is mentally exhausting..... I hear a whoosing pulse whenever its quiet.
I'm also having probs when sleeping as the side that has been operated on has the nerves aggrevated- I get a dead hand in the middle of the night which I have to shake to get feeling into it again.
All in all I feel that the depression and anxiety is coming from the uncertainty of the next op outcome and poor quality sleep.
I don't want it to sound like everything is all doom and gloom because I have believe it or not benefitted by the op by regaining a good blood flow to my right side when my arms are in various positions, so despite the nerve stuff going on I am glad that the occlusion is freed.
This wednesday I am going to have my first face to face consultation with a councellor so also anxious about that.
I know its needed to get myself back on track. I'm still off sick from work and becoming quite reclusive. Its been tough but I have to get back some sense of reality.
I hope I can return to the gutsy woman I know I can be.