This Explains Everything!

My life was turned upside down with one MRI. I was having migraine headaches for two weeks and I thought that I should have my head checked out. I was feeling kind of silly for causing such a fuss over something that could be treated with powerful headache drugs. Nevertheless, there has always been this nagging feeling in the back of my mind (no pun intended) that something just wasn't right with my brain. I can hear you laughing now, I admit, I have my fair share of Lacieisms, but seriously, something just hasn't been right with me for a couple of years.

I got the call from my PCP 12 hours after the MRI was performed. She called me at work at 8am and began her sentence with, "You don't have MS or cancer... you were probably born with this Chiari Malformation...but you really should schedule an appointment with a neuro-surgeon..." My whole body went numb. I let the fear in, let it consume me. Then, I got online and started researching this thing called Chiari Malformation I. You can click on this link for more details. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm

The light bulb went on and I felt a wave of relief wash over me ~ migraine headaches, vertigo, memory lapses, disequilibrium, sensitivity to loud noises, insomnia, neck pain ... so there was a physical reason for all of these symptoms ~ so now what?!?

So without boring you with all the details, here I am, 3 months later and still looking for answers to lead me out of what is called the 'grey area'. My cerebellum tonsil herniation has been measured, with the aid of a MRI, at 11mm. I have had two MRIs, seen my neuro-surgeon twice and met with a neurologist. They both concur that they want to make sure that my Chiari is actually causing all of my symptoms. So, I am off to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor soon to rule out the possibility of an inner ear infection that might be causing my loss of balance.

Every day is different. Some days are good and others are down right intolerable! I try to keep myself surrounded by spiritual inspiration and a healthy dose of humor. There is no 'fix' for my Chiari other than surgery, but I am still weighing the pros and the cons. The jury is still out on this one.

One thing I am certain of is that this journey that I am on has a purpose. I am trying to embrace this time in my life as a chance to gain more character and spiritual growth.