Looking Ahead

 It's been a interesting couple of weeks, accompanied with lots of emotions. I have been living with Vertigo and daily migraines for the last 6 months with no relief from medications. I have had migraines and dizziness for many years, but not to the extent that I have had recently. I can tell you that I know my Heavenly Father is watching over me, and that My Savior knows what I have been going through. In a last resort to hopefully find a answer to my health issues, I went to see a neurologist. After many different tests including heart tests, and blood work ups, the Dr. determined that everything seemed to be normal. He then mentioned that he thought it was possible that I had a mild Chiari Malformation. He said that he was still not convinced that this is what had been causing my migraines. He then changed my medication for the 3rd time. He decided at the last minute to refer me to a neurosurgeon. Thank goodness he did! Normally it takes at least 6 weeks to get into this Neurosurgeon, but miraculously they got me in 5 days later. Was Heavenly Father's hand in this? I know it was. Having 2 other friends who have been diagnosed with Chiari's  I already knew that brain surgery would be a good possibility. Panic and anxiety set in for the first couple of days. Then, after praying nearly all night long, I had a feeling of peace come over me, and suddenly I knew I needed to have this surgery. By the time it was time to see the neurosurgeon, I had already made the decision to have the surgery if that was what the doctor suggested. Sure enough! He told me to stop taking the other medication as it wasn't doing any good. After examining me, and my MRI he said that I had all of the symptoms of a Chiari Malformation. He said to me " your Chiari isn't the biggest I have ever seen , but it is large, and on a scale of 1-10 that yours is a easy 8.  He told me he thought I had a 95% chance of getting better if I did the surgery, but that he knew I would need some time to think about it. I had already made the decision and knew I had to do it, so minutes later I made an appointment for June 21st to have brain surgery. I continue to feel peaceful about this decision, and Steve also feels it is the right decision. I have also seen my children at ease with the decision. I feel so blessed that we were able to find out what was wrong and that this can be corrected. It's going to be interesting when I am all healed to see what my "Normal" really is. I am nervous, but more excited to not have the daily pain I have had.