Back in September, I shared with our listeners that I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation.  What is Chiari?  First, let's pronounce it right: Key-R-ee.  I will never understand the english language and WHY somedays 'CH' makes a 'Cha' sound and other days it makes a 'Ca' sound.  Chiari Malformation is a neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord.  It puts pressure on both the brain and spine.  It also disrupts normal CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) flow.  

In February 2016, I will go to the Chiari Neurosurgical Center in New York.  I have the privilege of having one of the best doctors in this country...and perhaps even the world operating on me.  I will undergo 2 very painful procedures on February 16th.  To address the Chiari Malformation, Dr. Bolognese will do a Posterior Fossa Decompression (PFD).  I'm going to keep medical jargon out and explain this how I understand it.  He's going to take a piece of my skull out and then he's going to hack and burn the globs of brain hanging down into my spine.  I'll be asleep...won't feel a thing. C1 & C2 will be pulled out too.

I also have Craniocervical Instability (CCI)...Hi, I'm Sarah Dyer and I'm an official bobblehead.  When C1 & C2 are removed, I will have, literally, NO support.  So, I will also have a Craniocervical Fusion.  Brackets and screws to hold my head nicely on my neck.

I've been informed that this is a very long recovery.  No Taste of Country Music Festival for this girl.  (Insert expletives here).  But, looking at the big picture, it will be worth it.  On a positive note, the doctor has assured me that the scar won't effect my bikini body.  So there's the 'glass is half full' side of the equation.

 

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