Shonderi's Arnold Chiari Malformation Journey Part I
by Shonderi
(Walker, Mi, United States)
Hello to All,
My name is Shonderi and I am 27 years old and I am researching and considering changing my lifestyle. In addition, I truly believe that holistic therapy will help me with my illness and become a vegan as well.
My journey started in 2003, when I was volunteering to help my job with a annual "Bank Run," which is when individuals come from different counties and states to run a marathon for Fifth Third. However, that day was cold and wet, after the run, I was feeling real sick, which I had flu like symptoms. I went to the E.R and they suggested to do a Spinal Tab, which after draining fluid off my spine they diagnosed me with Pseudotumor Cerbri, which is intranial pressure on the brain that causes the papemda around the eyes to swell and can eventually led to permanent blindness. I was only 20 years old at that time..so I stayed pretty getting spinal tabs and excruciating headaches that made me scream.....so from going back and forth to my primary doctor, which he refers me to pain clinics, nutritionist, ophthalmologist, and neurologist. After all the test were ran in 2004, I had a VP stunt placed in me, which drained the excessive fluid off my spine.
The journey never ends....life was spiraling out of control, for some reason after the stunt placement; my life was deteriorating right in front of my eyes. I stayed on FMLA through my job and notice I was missing more work on a regular basis. Eventually, the side effects of Pseudotumor Cerebri were under control. I was taking Diamox, which helped drain fluid as well..and my taste buds depised Diamox...soda tasted like pepper! I do not drink soda anymore, but that was not the reason! Well, in 2005 through 2007 I was alright...but I was not taking care of myself as I should have, I was put on a steroid, which caused me to gain an excessive amount of weight and believe me I am still working on getting that off! One partnering I noticed was I was more tired and exhausted through out those years. I did not like facing the stressors in my life, so I decided to go to school full time and work full time,plus overtime just to keep things off my mind. Well, in 2008 I go out a five year relationship that was nothing but turmoil, heartache, and some what a waste of time! Life spiraled again...
January 2007, I switched primary care doctors, because I felt that my old doctor did not do what was needed in reference to my health care. So, when I went to see my new primary doctor, she did the regular questionnaire, drawn blood, and checked my weight! Well, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, sleep and apnea now I am 24 going on 25 at this time! That was a shocker! My body was running on energy drinks and vending machines...when I got off work, then it was school, homework...and falling the sleep next to the computer...to wake up and shower...off to work...same routine for months. I begin to not feel well, I was getting headaches in my sleep and waking up not being able to move....my back was killing me, from my shoulders to the center of my lower spine. So, I begin to lock up at work and home...I literally could not turn my neck without screaming. So, in August of 2008 my primary doctor refereed me to my neurologist, which he order me to get another spinal tab, which the results came back with a minor infection. Furthermore, my primary doctor did not put me on a antibiotic! I still had stiffness in the neck and spine. Oh! In November of 2007, I remember that I got out of work and went to class as normal. However, about 11PM I started feeling real sick...I was freezing cold to no point return, so I told my mother and she suggested I take a hot shower, which I did and got back in bed. Meanwhile, the symptoms were getting worse, so about 6AM I tried to get out of bed and could not without screaming! I was extremely ill, so about 9AM my mother rushed me to the hospital and I was immediately hospitalized with Viral Meningitis. I stayed in the hospital for a week!
