I've never used a site like this so I don't even know if this is the right place to say hey. I have recently been diagnosed with Arnold-Chiaris Type 1 Malformation. I have to say that I am scared to death. I'm a single mom with three kids who depend on me for everything and I don't know what to expect. I am looking for people who have been through something like this or who are currently going through it. I'm pretty sure I have to have surgery but I don't see the neurosurgeon until tomorrow. I'm really scared. My father had Multiple Sclerosis and I was 10 when he was diagnosed. It got really bad really fast and we watched him slowly waste away for 16 years before God finally gave him relief. My biggest fear is that my kids will say that about me one day. They are smart, funny, crazy kids and they don't deserve to have to go through that. Because I have no idea what to expect, I am very anxious and intimidated by this situation. Does anyone have any good advice for someone who can't afford to be sick in any way? My symptoms are pretty bad right now although, thank God, I don't have any paralysis yet. But I can't pick up my kids or cuddle up in my boyfriends arms for comfort. Everything I do gives me a headache. I'm really scared and looking for friends. I hope I can find some on this site. Thanks and can't wait to meet some of you.
Reese