Kass' Chiari Journey
Donation protected
My name is Kassidy Matthews, and I was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation Type 1 in early-mid 2015. (picture below)
I was suffering black outs, dizziness, and extreme headaches in the back of my head which had the ability to severely incapacitate me. This prompted my parents to take me for a CT scan. This came back with a light obstruction across the base of my skull, which didn't allow my GP to find a problem. I was then sent for an MRI on my head, which had a long waiting period.
The MRI results stated that my cerebellar tonsils (bottom of my brain) were sitting 8mm and 7mm respectively out of the bottom of my skull, causing all my problems. I was finally diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1. This was the point that I was finally sent to a neuro surgeon after a 2 month wait.
This neurosurgeon advised that the only thing he could do is a possible decompression surgery, but he would like to wait and see how I progress. At this point I was suffering blackouts, dizziness and severe headaches nearly every day. The neurosurgeon referred me to a neurologist, which I wasnt able to see for another 2-3 months.
Similarly, the neurologist advised he couldn't do anything for me aside from wait it out and see how I progressed. He gave me a mid strength medication, and sent me away.
I was able to wait it out for a good 4-5 months, until I began to get more frequent, more severe headaches that practically rid me of my normal life as I was riddled with panic attacks and anxiety on top of the daily headaches.
I went back to my neurologist with a new MRI which stated that my cerebellar tonsils had gone a further 0.8mm out of the bottom of my skull. He again stated that he couldn't do anything and referred me back to the original neurosurgeon with the intent of surgery.
I attended my surgeon's appointment on the 24th of Nov, and I was put straight on the list for surgery on the 1st December (less than a week away). It is intended that I get a Suboccipital Decompression/ Laminectomy. This where the surgeon makes an incision in the back of my head to remove a portion of my skull, open my dura mater (membrane that holds my brain) and sew an artificial patch, as well as cauterise and shrink my cerebellar tonsils in order to create more room and stop my pressure headaches. It is also highly possible that I will need to shave down my top vertabrae.
I am starting this GoFundMe to assist with the cost of my surgery and accommodation for my family in Townsville as my heath fund doesn't cover a single cent for either my surgery or my hospital stay, and I am unable to work for the rest of the year.
Every dollar counts, and I would appreciate any help as there is nothing I want for Christmas more than my life back.
I was suffering black outs, dizziness, and extreme headaches in the back of my head which had the ability to severely incapacitate me. This prompted my parents to take me for a CT scan. This came back with a light obstruction across the base of my skull, which didn't allow my GP to find a problem. I was then sent for an MRI on my head, which had a long waiting period.
The MRI results stated that my cerebellar tonsils (bottom of my brain) were sitting 8mm and 7mm respectively out of the bottom of my skull, causing all my problems. I was finally diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1. This was the point that I was finally sent to a neuro surgeon after a 2 month wait.
This neurosurgeon advised that the only thing he could do is a possible decompression surgery, but he would like to wait and see how I progress. At this point I was suffering blackouts, dizziness and severe headaches nearly every day. The neurosurgeon referred me to a neurologist, which I wasnt able to see for another 2-3 months.
Similarly, the neurologist advised he couldn't do anything for me aside from wait it out and see how I progressed. He gave me a mid strength medication, and sent me away.
I was able to wait it out for a good 4-5 months, until I began to get more frequent, more severe headaches that practically rid me of my normal life as I was riddled with panic attacks and anxiety on top of the daily headaches.
I went back to my neurologist with a new MRI which stated that my cerebellar tonsils had gone a further 0.8mm out of the bottom of my skull. He again stated that he couldn't do anything and referred me back to the original neurosurgeon with the intent of surgery.
I attended my surgeon's appointment on the 24th of Nov, and I was put straight on the list for surgery on the 1st December (less than a week away). It is intended that I get a Suboccipital Decompression/ Laminectomy. This where the surgeon makes an incision in the back of my head to remove a portion of my skull, open my dura mater (membrane that holds my brain) and sew an artificial patch, as well as cauterise and shrink my cerebellar tonsils in order to create more room and stop my pressure headaches. It is also highly possible that I will need to shave down my top vertabrae.
I am starting this GoFundMe to assist with the cost of my surgery and accommodation for my family in Townsville as my heath fund doesn't cover a single cent for either my surgery or my hospital stay, and I am unable to work for the rest of the year.
Every dollar counts, and I would appreciate any help as there is nothing I want for Christmas more than my life back.
Organizer
Kassidy Tayla Matthews
Organizer
Dolphin Heads, QLD