Brain Surgery

I had my brain surgery on September 18. It is technically called Chiari Decompression. It is defined as a posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days.
My surgery actually took more like 4 hours and I was in the hospital 4 days. Dr. Kim (my neurosurgeon) said my chiari was worse than the mri in April showed. I am confident that the surgery has fixed me. I have not had a tingle, a pain or a numb feeling since surgery. I get my stitches out on Tuesday and hopefully they clear me to drive because I am getting a little cabin fever.
I have thoroughly enjoyed having my husband do all the endless duties I do during the day that are never ending. Oooh did I already say that, never ending, 24/7 early morning to late at night, mommy this mommy that. He has a new found appreciation for this SUPERMOM!

A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days. - See more at: http://www.mayfieldchiaricenter.com/chiari_surgery.php#sthash.pIMjZvGN.dpuf

A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days. - See more at: http://www.mayfieldchiaricenter.com/chiari_surgery.php#sthash.pIMjZvGN.dpuf

A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days. - See more at: http://www.mayfieldchiaricenter.com/chiari_surgery.php#sthash.pIMjZvGN.dpuf

A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days. - See more at: http://www.mayfieldchiaricenter.com/chiari_surgery.php#sthash.pIMjZvGN.dpuf

And then there was Zoey!

Because my life is not crazy enough with a dramatic 18 yr old, rambunctious 5 yr old twins and a sassy little 17 month old and a home base embroidery business......... we got a PUPPY! We have actually been looking for a Westie since April but have had no luck. The opportunity came about Labor Day weekend that a maltese was available and a female so we got her. We named her Teche (tesh) at first but that seemed more like a big dog name and well Zoey is bite size. We went through a list of favorite dog names and Zoey stuck. She is 2.5 lbs and just a little ball of fun. There have been hurdles, loss of sleep, poop on the floor, whining at night, but we love her and she is learning.Our beloved cat of 13 years Kiki passed away on 8-21 so we didn't think twice about adding Zoey to our family.