Hey there peetie. So sorry to hear what you and yer mum are going through. I've written about my experiance in the thread "My Chiari Experiance" in this forum. I'm keeping it updated as I find out things. I am 7 years post-op after Chiari Decompression surgery. I'm more than happy to discuss it with other chiarians on the board.

I must say first off that I am NO expert. However, I AM a survivor .

Second, remembering I'm not an expert, but I have never heard of dehydrating yourself being a way of testing for Chiari???? My hubby (who is an EMT) said that the body compensates from the periphreals inward. (Laymens terms outside inward). IE, other body systems would be affected aversely, in his understanding, before a reduction of CSF would be negligible. (Please remember, this is opinion only, not actual doctor talking). But still, I'd be very wary of such an "experiment". The body can dehydrate very quickly.

Please keep us updated, its a pleasure to meet cha!!!!

God Bless,

Dawn

Thank you for your response. I have been researching this idea of dehydration and have not come across anything really. Makes me a little nervous... I look forward to reading about your experience and having people to ask questions like this around. Thanks again!!

That experiment sounds.....well, dumb. And too be perfectly honest your dr doesn't sound much smarter.

I too have a chiari malformation and had surgery 10 yrs ago to help relieve some of the symptoms. It was very successful and I am doing much better.

There is an organization called ASAP, that deals with chiari malformations among other related disorders. Their website is very helpful with lots of information on everything from symptoms to local drs who are experienced in dealing with this disorder. Having experienced drs is very important, other less experience drs can make you feel like your a hypochondriac or worse.

Feel free to pm me with any questions.

Morning Broken,
What is your doctor's name from Vanderbilt?
I have a friend that her son has just been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1 with Syrinx (cyst) and they have surgery scheduled next Wed with Dr. Noel Tulipan at Vanderbilt. We are just trying to find information to make sure he is the best choice.
Thank You, Lisa

yes Dr. Tulipan and Dr. Peter Konrad are both knowledgeable in Chiari . good choice , and warm wishes and prayers