I wasn’t planning to do another blog about this, but we’ve
had a lot of people asking and I thought this seemed to be an easier way to
spread the word. Yesterday, David and I met with the neurosurgeon at University
of Utah Neurosciences Center. We went in with a lot of questions and came out
with a lot of answers and possibly a few new questions. Here’s what we know:
1. It’s brain surgery. That automatically makes it more complex, dangerous, and delicate. However, it is not a very difficult procedure or a necessarily tricky one to perform. A well practiced brain surgeon considers it a routine/standard procedure (And we found a very well practiced brain surgeon who is very familiar with Chiari).
2. While my Chiari is a much more significant case, it doesn’t make the surgery or recovery more difficult.
3. I will be in surgery for approximately six hours.
4. I will stay one night in the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit and then another two nights in a typical hospital room. If there are any problems I might have to stay one more night but the typical case is in the hospital for only three days.
5. The procedure entails cutting vertically through the muscle and skin at the back of my neck until they get to the spinal column. They will then cut through the Meninges (I hope that’s the right medical term for it….it’s the stuff that surrounds and protects the spinal cord) and put a patch in. That allows my spinal cord to expand and not be so cramped up. They will also cauterize the brain tissue that has grown down past the foramen magnum. As it is cauterized it will shrink and allow the space to be filled by only the spinal cord. In rare cases, the doctor will also have to remove some of this brain tissue if it is still not providing enough room for the Spinal Cord. THANK GOODNESS THAT BRAIN TISSUE ISN’T FUNCTIONING! Removing/cauterizing it will have no affect on me.
6. Complications that arise from this surgery usually trace back to the patch around the spinal cord. It might not heal properly, or it can leak, or it can flat out tear. Fortunately for me, the Surgeon said that they have found a new material (human skin) to make this patch from and it has showed a drastic improvement! YAY!!
7. My surgeon has also “Pioneered” a new form of pain management for after the surgery making my recovery easier.
8. After surgery, it is best to be up and moving around rather than lying in bed all day. I am to take at least two walks for 30 minutes every day.
9. I won’t be able to do household chores or “kid chores” for a month to six weeks. I can’t lift, or pull or be pulled on or “strain” myself.
10. I will have stretches and movements to do in order to regain range of motion in my neck.
11. My surgeon has never had one of his patients need a second surgery.
12. The surgery is scheduled for August 8th.
1. It’s brain surgery. That automatically makes it more complex, dangerous, and delicate. However, it is not a very difficult procedure or a necessarily tricky one to perform. A well practiced brain surgeon considers it a routine/standard procedure (And we found a very well practiced brain surgeon who is very familiar with Chiari).
2. While my Chiari is a much more significant case, it doesn’t make the surgery or recovery more difficult.
3. I will be in surgery for approximately six hours.
4. I will stay one night in the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit and then another two nights in a typical hospital room. If there are any problems I might have to stay one more night but the typical case is in the hospital for only three days.
5. The procedure entails cutting vertically through the muscle and skin at the back of my neck until they get to the spinal column. They will then cut through the Meninges (I hope that’s the right medical term for it….it’s the stuff that surrounds and protects the spinal cord) and put a patch in. That allows my spinal cord to expand and not be so cramped up. They will also cauterize the brain tissue that has grown down past the foramen magnum. As it is cauterized it will shrink and allow the space to be filled by only the spinal cord. In rare cases, the doctor will also have to remove some of this brain tissue if it is still not providing enough room for the Spinal Cord. THANK GOODNESS THAT BRAIN TISSUE ISN’T FUNCTIONING! Removing/cauterizing it will have no affect on me.
6. Complications that arise from this surgery usually trace back to the patch around the spinal cord. It might not heal properly, or it can leak, or it can flat out tear. Fortunately for me, the Surgeon said that they have found a new material (human skin) to make this patch from and it has showed a drastic improvement! YAY!!
7. My surgeon has also “Pioneered” a new form of pain management for after the surgery making my recovery easier.
8. After surgery, it is best to be up and moving around rather than lying in bed all day. I am to take at least two walks for 30 minutes every day.
9. I won’t be able to do household chores or “kid chores” for a month to six weeks. I can’t lift, or pull or be pulled on or “strain” myself.
10. I will have stretches and movements to do in order to regain range of motion in my neck.
11. My surgeon has never had one of his patients need a second surgery.
12. The surgery is scheduled for August 8th.
Well I think that about covers it! While I can’t say that I’m
excited to have the surgery, I am looking forward to a migraine-free future and
the worlds that can now open up to me. For anyone who would like to, we will be
holding a fast on August 3rd in hopes of a routine surgery and
speedy recovery. I am so grateful to everyone who has surrounded us with love
and support at this time. It has been such a great comfort to me to see that we
are not alone in this. Thank you. Thank you for your prayers and your offers to
help in any way you can. I am humbled to see how many people care and are ready
to help us on this journey. We love you and are grateful for you.
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