9/7/13

I wasn't going to post because there isn't anything to really say. I have been in bed most of the day with pain and a headache. I got to take Jake to feed his steer 2 times, to take Troy to work, and we went to my sister's for dinner. I am home again and thinking of already going back to bed. I feel like total crap today. I hope tomorrow is a better day for me.

Fed Up With My Doctor

After work I stopped by the pharmacy and the doctor's office still hasn't approved my prescription refills. So I am stuck over the weekend with out my meds and this is going on a week now without them. My pain and headaches are increasing. I did call the doctor's office and they said they had been really busy and they would get right on it. Of course they lied. I just wish for once a doctor and their staff would have to go through what I have for the last week.

Even though I am not feeling the best and work was just wonderful I did make myself get in 15 minutes on the bike. I haven't yet done my crunches yet. I am hoping for some much needed sleep tonight and less pain in the morning. I know I am dreaming.

Here is the chiair info for tonight.

 Are other conditions associated with Chiari malformations?

Individuals who have a CM often have these related conditions:

Hydrocephalus is an excessive buildup of CSF in the brain. A CM can block the normal flow of this fluid, resulting in pressure within the head that can cause mental defects and/or an enlarged or misshapen skull. Severe hydrocephalus, if left untreated, can be fatal. The disorder can occur with any type of CM, but is most commonly associated with Type II.

Spina bifida is the incomplete development of the spinal cord and/or its protective covering. The bones around the spinal cord don’t form properly, leaving part of the cord exposed and resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Individuals with Type II CM usually have a myelomeningocele, a form of spina bifida in which the bones in the back and lower spine don’t form properly and extend out of the back in a sac-like opening.

Syringomyelia, or hydromyelia, is a disorder in which a CSF-filled tubular cyst, or syrinx, forms within the spinal cord’s central canal. The growing syrinx destroys the center of the spinal cord, resulting in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs. Other symptoms may include headaches and a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. Some individuals also have severe arm and neck pain.

Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord attaches itself to the bony spine. This progressive disorder causes abnormal stretching of the spinal cord and can result in permanent damage to the muscles and nerves in the lower body and legs. Children who have a myelomeningocele have an increased risk of developing a tethered cord later in life.

Spinal curvature is common among individuals with syringomyelia or CM Type I. Two types of spinal curvature can occur in conjunction with CMs: scoliosis, a bending of the spine to the left or right; and kyphosis, a forward bending of the spine. Spinal curvature is seen most often in children with CM, whose skeleton has not fully matured.

CMs may also be associated with certain hereditary syndromes that affect neurological and skeletal abnormalities, other disorders that affect bone formation and growth, fusion of segments of the bones in the neck, and extra folds in the brain.

9/5/13 Just Lazy

I have been out of my ibuprofen and tramadol for 4 days now. For some reason the doctor's office hasn't given the pharmacy their ok yet. I have called them and ask them to hurry up and get it done, but nobody ever listens to me. So, my headaches have been pretty bad, and the pain in my neck, back, and legs don't feel great either. I am hoping they fill my scripts by tomorrow. Tonight I don't feel like getting on that bike or doing much of anything. I did walk a lot around school today, and I am going to try to get my crunches done before bed time, which is coming soon.

Here is a little chiari info for tonight.

What causes these malformations?

CM has several different causes. It can be caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development, whether caused by genetic mutations or lack of proper vitamins or nutrients in the maternal diet. This is called primary or congenital CM. It can also be caused later in life if spinal fluid is drained excessively from the lumbar or thoracic areas of the spine either due to injury, exposure to harmful substances, or infection. This is called acquired or secondary CM. Primary CM is much more common than secondary CM.

9/4/13

I don't want to start all my post saying it was a long day but since I started back to work that's what every day has been. Today I didn't work but took my son to the doctor. I drove a little over 3 hours there and 3 hours home. My back and head is killing me tonight. That being said I did do 20 minutes on my bike but only 20 crunches.

I think starting Sunday I am going to start the 30 day crunch challenge again. I seem to do better when there is some sort of challenge. This way I can't say I don't feel like doing it, I just do it. It's probably what I need to keep me going.

Tonight's chiair information.

Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear of the skull, above the foramen magnum (a funnel-like opening to the spinal canal). When part of the cerebellum is located below the foramen magnum, it is called a Chiari malformation.

CMs may develop when the bony space is smaller than normal, causing the cerebellum and brain stem to be pushed downward into the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem may affect functions controlled by these areas and block the flow of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF)— the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord—to and from the brain.

9/3/13

Today has been the worst day at work since school starting back. I chased  followed my student around the whole school at least 5 times. I also had to physically remove him from class, he weighs around 90 lbs. I am totally exhausted tonight. The boys and my sister has kept me busy since getting off work. It was can you help Zach with his homework (she had some eye injections today) I can't see. Then the boys wanting rides here and there. Then going to the farm.

As far the bike, my knees are killing me and my feet are swollen, and I also feel like I had enough cardio for today. I have done 60 crunches though.

9/2/13

I woke up this morning with a killer headache and feeling very nauseous.  Maybe my headache wouldn't be so bad if I could get more then 2 hours sleep a night. I haven't slept more then 3 hours a night for over a month. Insomnia is part of chiari. I have been in bed for most of the day in a nice dark quiet room. I also have had my phone off most of the day or the volume off including the ringer. I only went out of the house 2 times both to take Jake to feed his steer.

My biggest problem with people when you tell them you don't feel well, they feel the need to try to call or text you all day. If you tell someone you're not feeling well and you have been in bed all day they should just leave you alone and not bug you.

I did do 40 crunches while laying in bed. After taking Jake to the farm I came back and tried to do my bike but was only able to get 10 minutes done. This bike is so loud and annoying when you have a headache. I wish I could find a cheap bike new or used that is quiet.

Here is the chiair facts for tonight:

Some people with Chiari malformations may have no symptoms. Others may have symptoms such as:

• dizziness
• muscle weakness
• numbness
• vision problems
• headaches
• problems with balance and coordination

Chiari malformations affect females more often than males.

Weigh In September 1st

I was really worried about stepping on that scale this morning with the way I have been eating. But I guess it wasn't all bad. I haven't lost anything but I didn't gain any. My waist and hips are the same, but I haven't been doing any crazy crunch/ab workouts, but maybe I should.

Tonight I helped Jake wash the steer. Then I came home and did 20 minutes on my bike. I also did 60 crunches tonight. Hopefully I am back on the right track.

Today kicks off Chiari Awareness month. So here is a pick of the difference between a regular brain and a chiari brain. Some doctors feel that this size of the herniation makes a difference in the pain, but in reality size doesn't matter. Someone with a 1 mm herniation may have more pain and symptoms than someone with a 14 mm herniation. Mine is at 7 mm, on my last mri.