Hello everyone! I am 33 years old and happily married to my wonderful husband of 17 years and we have 3 beautiful kids together. I finally broke down and decided to join a forum for Arnold Chiari Malformation type I. I was diagnosed with Chiari in 2008 only because I had a grand-mal seizure on Christmas day in 2008. It was an accidental finding so kinda glad I had the seizure. I've always had the symptoms ever since I remember. Headaches, ringing in the ears, clumsiness and neck pain. Since 2008, I have been fine. Went on remission for a few years until recently. Last year I started experiencing extreme fatigue. Had nighttime and daytime sleep study done. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and extreme idiopathic hypersomelence (uncontrolled daytime sleepiness). Was prescribed ritalin. A few months ago, I started experiencing a lump in my throat. Waited for a month to see if it'll go away, but didn't. Recently had an upper GI endoscopy done and they performed a esophageal dilation and took a biopsy. GI doctor said that everything looked normal and that I have possible acid reflux. This Monday, a few day after the endoscopy, I started experiencing pain in esophagus and chest area when I eat and swallow. Very painful. Anytime I drink or eat, I have excessive burping and gas (excuse my language) and stomach pain. I just came back from an upper GI exam with barium. Radiologist found no tear in the esophagus but possible esophageal reflux. I am discouraged. Not discourage on the fact that nothing was found, discouraged that I don't feel right anymore. The funny thing is that I am the healthiest and the fittest I have ever been in my life in the past 6 months. Lost 20 pounds and went from a size 6 to a size 0-2. I work out at least 3 times a week. But now, I am having all these problems. I'm on 4 different medications and I hate that. Is anyone having the same symptoms as me? I don't know what to do anymore...I just want to give up on the docs and say forget about it.

Hello! I see you've found our Chiari forum already and posted there.....but I just wanted to welcome you to NeuroTalk.

If you've got any questions or need help navigating around the site please let us know and we'll be happy to help you.

hawleyk,

Hello and welcome each of you to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene