Back to the tube I go

After my appointment with the neurosurgeon today, I was informed I will be having another 2 MRI's done. This first is because they screwed up my cervical MRI and didn't include were my brain and spine meet. So I shouldn't have to pay for that one since its there bad (thank goodness!). The second MRI is to see if I have tethered cord syndrome. I have many symptoms and when I brought them up, he thought it would be best to have it checked out. "Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column." Some symptoms include weakness in the legs; low back pain; scoliosis; and incontinence. Hopefully I don't have it, but I am glad we are getting it checked out. He didn't set a date for the surgery cause he wants all the MRI's back first. He originally offered my February 9, but I thought that was to soon, and when I declined he decided to wait to schedule it. I was super bummed, cause I am a girl who likes to have a plan!

He also decided to put my on The Infammation-Free Diet. It is very limiting, no sugar,dairy,potatoes, very limited bread options,  going out to eat, no butter, ect. Its suppose to help my body have a smoother surgery and a faster recovery so I will endure, but it won't be fun! I have to be on the diet until I have my surgery and all through my recovery.

I am really ready to get the surgery over with. My Chiari has been really flaring up, and I have been pretty misrable at times. Interesting fact: Weather is a huge contributer to how I feel. I can probably predict a cold front moving in before the weather guy. Big temperture changes, means lots of headaches and dizzy spells for me. Makes me not want to do anything. I have also been having really bad muscle weakness in my legs. In the morning it is hard to even walk. I have to hold on to something or I will fall. I hate always feeling like an old person in the morning, trying to warm my legs up so I can use them. But I hope the surgery makes me all better! I hope after the surgery I can say "wow! I didn't know how bad it really was until I didn't have it!"

Still in good spirits, but with the high cost of all the medical bills, I thought I would sell Chiari Awarness bands for $5 to help fund my surgery and recovery anything I earn over that I will donate for research. I think they should be in sometime in the next couple weeks. If you are interested in buying one please message me! I can mail it if needed. Even with insurance, the medical bills are already piling up, so when I had two very dear friends donate $300 for my surgery and I have never felt so grateful and blessed. I plan to pay it forward someday. Their kindness will forever be in my heart.