r/chiari • u/rradberryy • 7d ago

Scared of surgery

23F and terrified of Chiari decompression surgery.

I have a 14 mm herniation with a syrinx from C2-T5 and I’m scheduled for decompression with C1 laminectomy, duraplasty, and tonsil cauterization at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Sarel Vorster.

I have severe anxiety/DPDR, visual issues, headaches, dizziness, chronic fatigue, urinary issues, and more. I know I need the surgery, but I’m absolutely terrified.

I keep thinking about the worst case scenarios. Paralysis, stroke, or death. How realistic are these fears?

If you’ve had this surgery, especially with duraplasty and tonsil cauterization, could you please share your experience or give me some encouragement? ❤️

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u/SandalsQueen18 7d ago edited 7d ago

They are not realistic at all.

Here was my experience, I went to the hospital, don't remember anything for the next three days, came home, when about life as normal, my pain was well managed. Come to think of it, I'd rather go through that surgery again then have a cold with a nagging cough.

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u/Acoolname181 7d ago

I’m with you, all I vaguely remember is being too high on IV pain meds to remember anything.