Sarah Angelini

I woke up this morning with little to no concern or anxiety about what the day held for me. I took a shower and got ready like the day was completely normal, as if I were simply going to school. I try to take those moments, like showering, to feel like I'm a normal person without pain. Having Arnold Chiari makes me feel weird, even though it shouldn't, I feel weird knowing theres something wrong with me and always has been, and that somehow I've only now stumbled upon it. I arrived at the doctors office at 12pm and finally was escorted to a room at 145, the longest hour and 45 minute wait of my entire life. The door opened and a 4'11 woman came walking in with a smile on her face. She examined my MRI's and confirmed that I definitely have Chiari, without a doubt. She measured my cerebellum, it's 8mm which is pretty long. She tested my motor skills and reactions and they were all really off. My mom asked her what she recommended, she said I definitely needed the surgery, which basically entails removing part of my top vertebrae thats cramping the space and therefore causing all of my pain and other symptoms, and opening up my skull. I haven't cried about it, which I believe is because I knew this was coming, I knew what to expect. My brain surgery is monday at Beaumont hospital. A surprising fact is that i will not be bald. (not that if i would have to of been it would have been a big deal anyways). My family and friends have been here for me 100% which is so reassuring. I'm glad that soon I may be pain free, and I cannot wait!