The surgery that my wife and I have been dreading for almost two years will come to pass next month on November 5. . . . [It] consists of removing bone at the opening located at the base of the skull where the spinal chord meets the brain stem. The condition occurs when the brain abnormally protrudes through that opening, compressing the spinal chord and impeding the flow of cerebral-spinal fluid to the rest of the nervous system. The pressure and the lack of fluid then triggers assorted bodily pains, tinglings, headaches, lethargy, etc. This condition is called "Chiari Malformation Syndrome" after Arnold Chiari, the physician who first document this condition.
 
Once the excess bone is removed, the surgeon will line the expanded opening with synthetic material. Relieving the pressure will restore the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid and alleviate all the related aches and pains.
 
Sometimes I feel tempted to reassure ourselves by saying that this is another "plumbing problem" and in a way it is, but it is so close to the spinal chord and the brain stem that we can't dismiss it as "routine". Although the condition by itself is not life-threathening, well, the surrounding area is critical and the surgery very serious. . . .
  
I respectfully request you remember her and my family in your prayers, in the Liturgy of the Hours and at Mass. I will be deeply thankful to all if you do.

Last edited on Thu Oct 16th, 2008 05:06 am by brian