I joined this site because I am desperate to help my sister. She was diagnosed with chair malformation and subsequently had surgery since the anticipated side effects were better than her quality of life. Physically she is doing better, has some good and some bad days. The problem is that she has suffered a complete personality change for the worst and doesn't realize it. We belong to a huge loving family. My sister and I were so close that we couldn't tell where one stopped and the other started. She has alienated herself from the family and has extreme animosity towards us. She began telling outrageous lies and is vicious towards my parents. This behavior could not be more opposite of who she was for 40 years. If anyone has any advice for me please please reply. I am desperate to get my sister back.

Welcome to NT

So sorry for what you and your family are going through. Here's some hugs for you ((())))

I don't have answers for you. I'm sure other members have more knowledge with this condition.

The "SEARCH" button above is handy.

Here is our Care Giver support forum: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum56.html

This is a great place to come for answers and support. People here do care and understand.

I pray your sister gets better.

hi and welcome to NT,

i'm sorry your sister is not well. i consider this change to be a medical symptom until proven otherwise. i'd call her pcp, neuro, etc and let them know.
talk to the dr himself, or the office mgr, or make an appt to talk in person.

i'm just wondering if her dr may want to investigate this further.

I don't know much about Chiari Malformation but here is the link to the forum on our board. I'm hoping someone on the forum can offer help. Please don't hesitate to ask.

Arnold Chiari Malformation & Syringomyelia
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum71.html

I look forward to seeing you around the board.

Abbie

I am new to this site and posted, but don't know where...it was a reply to someone...but pain is a very funny thing..I love my husband and my grown children but the pain is all I talk about and get very irritated...I know they are tired of hearing it...maybe we can talk each other throught to a solution...please find my reply so I don't have to repeat it....I am tired of hearing myself complain!!!!!

Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. There are great and caring friends here to assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Hi ~ This could be a reaction to her pain medication ~ or if she is on a medication for depression, that could also be the culprit. You might want to talk to her doctor and mention that she has totally changed.

I wish you the very best. God bless & please keep us informed. Hugs, Lee

I was diagnosed with Chiari I malformation 11/2010 (48 yrs old) and had a shunt put in and since then had 7 more shunt surgeries for malfunctions, infection, etc. I had the 9th surgery "Chiari Decompression" 2/2011. I know I have changed since all this has happened. I became very depressed and paranoid. I am taking medicines for both of these conditions. I am doing a little better. Trying to get out more. I had rather stay home and alone though. I think the trauma of so many surgeries and the 19 day hospital stay for the infection is alot to blame. However, I do believe the pressure from the spinal fluid not leaving my head when the shunt fails has caused brain damage. My long term and short term memory has been affected. Of course, the doctors say there's no way to tell if there is brain damage....but I know there is. I hope this somehow helps you.