Update

Hello friends! It has been way to long since I last updated. I had my decompression surgery  done by Dr. Ali Krisht on April 4, 2012 and he said I had the worst case he had ever seen. Having a world renowned surgeon who has done this surgery hundreds of times tell you that yours was the worst is sort of scary. He did say that I should live a more fulfilling life now, and I think he is right.  Although things are looking up, I am slowing coming to terms that I will always be fighting Chiari. It's been exactly 5 weeks since my surgery. I still can't laugh without extreme pain, and yawning makes me want to cry. I still have some pain in my incision but it’s getting better every day. Some things are better though, NO numbness in my arms or legs which is AMAZING! Also I seem to have less headaches, even though I still have my bad days, I seem to have more good days than before. Also I have full range of motion in my neck and have for weeks. I drive myself, and do light cleaning and am able to help Emery more. The beginning of recovery was really emotional for our family. Not being able to pick Emery up was really hard in the beginning. Now she is happy to crawl up in my lap, but the tears were extremely hard for me to hear in those first few days. I seem to be able to think more clearly too, which is awesome! Maybe now I won't tell you the same story five times now, (don't count on it though, because I love to talk!) My nausea is much better too. Dr. Krisht said because my case was so bad, he had to work around the nausea control center in my brain, so I was very queasy for a long time, but now it’s only occasional. I went to the gym last week and the bicycle gave me just enough of a workout to get me sweating but not hurt my head. It was good to work out, but it really just made me miss Zumba. I hope to teach Zumba someday, I love it that much! Best workout ever! And when the whole class is miserable doing squats or leg lifts I will shout " I had brain surgery! KEEP GOING!" lol

I go back to Little Rock on the 21^st of May for my MRI and check up. I am hoping to be cleared to resume all normal activities, but I have come a long way, and many people are impressed at how great I am doing. I am pleased with my recovery, but having “bad” moments have been particularly hard because I so badly wanted to be in that 20% that had no headaches post-op.  This experience has made me stronger, and showed me how much impact one person can make on another life. Throughout this whole process I have had so many people reach out and send me messages of encouragement and love. The unwavering support I have received have made me so grateful.  It has showed me every act of kindness I ever gave small or big never went unnoticed. I have learned that how you treat people now, will affect you later in ways you may never have thought. I have had people tell me that I inspire them and that makes me feel so proud and shows me how important it is to stand by your brothers and sisters in life and live life with a smile and a positive attitude. I will continue to pray and support all of you and I am forever grateful for all the love I have received. I will pay it forward in every way I can.

PS> For everyone who wore purple two days in a row when my surgery was moved, thank you so much. It meant the world to me to see all my loved ones and even strangers all wear purple just to support me. Totally felt the love :)