The Journey Begins

I'm new to this - blogging and Chiari malformation.  Let me entertain you - I hope you'll find my posts interesting.  If not, well such is life.

I'm 33.  I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation in July 2009 by sheer coincidence.  I was referred to an ear nose and throat specialist for tinnitus in my left ear.  Following an angio MRI of my brain a 6mm herniation of the cerebellar tonsils was found.  The ENT said he could not be any assistance to me and recommended I see a neurosurgeon.

Fast forward to mid August.  I had my first appointment with the local neurosurgeon. (Amazingly quick!) After reviewing my history and my MRI he had one solution - surgery. The decompression of my skull to be precise.  And  it's not that I don't trust doctors locally (and well, I don't) I asked my GP to refer me to a NS in Toronto who has more experience in this type of surgery.  I got an appointment date the day after my referral was faxed down - I see the TO NS on October 26, 2009.

I've been reading lots of blogs, joined 2 support groups, and researching all kinds of sites on the web. I've met a few people online  in Canada with Chiari too.  I'm a sponge soaking everything up until my appointment in October.

I'm not a witty writer like some other Chiari patients.  I'm not a pool of knowledge like others.  I'm just here to be me and write about what I'm dealing with and how I'm feeling about it at that time.

Thanks for reading...