Quick update:
I have to have another MRI tomorrow of my neck to check for a syrinx in my spinal cord. It's like a cyst that blocks the flow of spinal fluid.
If a syrinx is left untreated it leads to a slow progression of muscle loss and function, which eventually ends in paralysis.
If I *do* have one, I will need to have the decompression surgery pretty soon.
If I *don't* have one, I will, most likely, still need the decompression surgery to avoid a syrinx in the future, but the window is possibly a little wider as to when.
The neurologist explained that it's better to have the surgery before such a thing develops (or other complications) because your chances of having good results from the surgery (i.e. your symptoms go away) are better.
So far I am extremely thankful that this seems to have been caught very early. I am not currently having problems that indicate I have a syrinx. However, brain herniation greater than 5 mm are often associated with a syrinx, and my brain herniation is 8mm, hence the MRI to confirm.
I am so thankful that of all the brain problems out there, Chiari 1 is relatively minor.
Also, most research seems to indicate that Chiari 1 probably forms during embryonic development, so no...epidurals didn't cause it, and labor didn't either. Although the strain of Violet's birth *might* have set it off.
Some people who have this go their whole lives without any symptoms, some people only develop symptoms after some kind of trauma, and others always have the problems. But it's likely I've had this since birth.
It does tend to run in families (they suspect it's genetic-so it's probably not caused by a lack of folic acid when in the womb) being more common in women than men, but testing and treatment are not necessary unless someone starts developing problems related to it.
5 comments:
Ok, Sara, I'll pray for all of this. Although, things could be much worse, it has to be a bit concerning. The Lord knows all - beginning and end. Take care dear.
Thanks, Jenica. It is still a bit concerning. My main fear being a surgery near my brain (!!!). But I really do feel like God is taking care of me that it was found out at all. I *never* go to doctors, and it's miraculous I agreed to the MRI (I tried to talk the Dr. out of it). So I feel like it's a blessing that it was found out at all and I'm only having minor problems so far. I had four kids without even realizing I had this (some people with Chiari have to have c-sections!). Plus, I couldn't have had the MRI if I was pregnant or nursing and I was able to have it now! So God is definitely taking care of me! :)
Sara, we're also so grateful this was caught early and that you have good medical care. But the most important thing is that "He's got the whole world in his hands."
Sara, you've done some good research, and asked the doc some good questions. After this second MRI we will know more. But I can rest in the fact that God has known this from your conception, and he has protected and cared for you so that your symptoms haven't reached that irreversible stage. We will continue to trust in him and pray in faith for a really good outcome, for relief from the headaches, for a skilled surgeon if/when that becomes necessary, for peace in your heart (and all the rest of us, too). We love you.
Praying for you Sara. May the Lord give you peace in all of this. We can have fearless trust in Him-Psalm 46.
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