I’m so scared

[Adamj]

I just was told I have Chiari malformation

[Daesin]

Ok so your brain is so big it doesn’t fit in your skull. This can be a bit of an issue but can be dealt with typically. What did the doc say? Are they optimistic? Obviously it’s not oh my God serious or you’d be in surgery.

My best friend, an adult therapist has it and she’s fine with no limits. She does use it sometimes to get out of stuff. My sister has a mild issue and just deals with headaches and occasional neck songs if she moves on the wrong direction too fast.

Don’t start freaking out until you know more details. The anxiety is typically worse than the problem. And now that you know what the issue is you know what you are fighting. You aren’t punching the air.

[Adamj in reply to Daesin]

I know but I’m just so scared I really thought symptoms and I was starting to feel better about things

[Daesin in reply to Adamj]

This is actually a blessing. Now you can address the real issue instead of chasing smoke. You have a real dragon. You know it’s name. Now your team can plan a proper treatment and give you the best life.

I sound like G.I. Joe. And knowing is half the battle. But it’s true.

It’s gonna take a while for your head to wrap around the fact that you’ve turned left instead of right. For so many years you thought it was ABC when in reality were looking at QRST. That is such a huge step. Don’t be so afraid. It’s time to🎉 celebrate! You are more likely to kick its butt now. You are gonna rock and life is going to get better.

[Adamj]

It’s just so weird my symptoms cleared up for years

[Adamj in reply to Adamj]

Like I would just have the normal anxiety and such

[b1b1b1]

Your post is really thoughtful and so kind!! xx

[dmt1121]

The good news is that it sounds treatable. As someone with stage 4 prostate cancer, I can appreciate that you have a decent chance of it being treated and having a normal life.

I have learned to learn all you can about the disease and treatment options and go to your doctor prepared to ask questions and always get a second opinion. The I learned, the less, anxious and depressed I felt because it put me back in control. When you feel helpless, that is the worst.

Lastly, bring your significant other or a close friend or family member to all your appointments as a note taker and advocate. It makes a huge difference because you can focus on listening to your doctor without trying to remember questions and take notes while listening.

I am sure you can get through this with a positive attitude, good research (reputable sources only) and acceptance of your new reality. The emotional roller coaster can be modulated by what you do. Good luck and hang in there!

🙂

[Adamj in reply to dmt1121]

Thank you!