Monarch Butterfly & Surgery Is Scheduled
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
Nashville, Tennessee
June 30, 2022 11:34am CST
I remember reading a post awhile back that asked if you would announce if you were taking a break online. I said no. But I have changed my mind.
Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. I will be out for a little while. Not sure how long. I don’t usually talk about personal health conditions online. But I will say I have had headaches for a couple of years now. Dealing with balance issues and other symptoms as well.
After MRI’s and other testing I have been diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation in my head. Many have this condition with no symptoms. Lucky me, I have many symptoms. But thankfully this condition can often be treated. Hopefully with a good outcome.
I have done tons of research on this before making my decision. It will not get better without surgery. I have confidence in my Neurosurgeon and Vanderbilt Hospital. I hope to return soon feeling much better. Take care everyone.
Sharing a link if anyone is interested about the surgery.
53 people like this
52 responses
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@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
30 Jun 22
Chiari Malformation is something serious, yet it's very treatable. You are in good hands at Vanderbilt Hospital and many prayers are flowing up for you(every day). I can't wait to hear your ''good report!" Love, Kharla xo
5 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
30 Jun 22
@CarolDM You have always been supportive of me, regardless of what I've faced. Now, it's your turn to receive tons of concern, during this critical time you're going through.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
30 Jun 22
@kobesbuddy I have tried to be a friend. I am used to helping, not needing the help. Thank you for your concern. It means more than you know.
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@snowy22315 (184722)
• United States
30 Jun 22
That's a fantastic shot, and good luck with your surgery. Hopefully you will be a new woman in a week or two!![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@snowy22315 (184722)
• United States
30 Jun 22
@CarolDM Did they give you a general timeline?
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
30 Jun 22
@snowy22315 He said about three months total to get back to where I am now. But we will see.
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@Juliaacv (52014)
• Canada
1 Jul 22
@CarolDM Tomorrow, if you are alone, waiting for them to bring you into the OR, and afraid, remember that you are not alone. I'll be thinking of you, and I am sure that I am not alone.
You will come out on the other side and be symptom free and all the better for it.
Good luck.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
1 Jul 22
I am staying low key. Every day has been more pre-op instructions. But it has been at a slow pace. Keeps things nice and steady. Have not been stressed out until I stop and think about what is actually happening tomorrow. Those times are when I find something to get me busy. And then before long it will all be over. Many talks with myself lately. You are so very kind and your support means the world my friend. Enjoy your weekend.
5 people like this
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@oahuwriter (26777)
• United States
1 Jul 22
Going to miss you. Know everything will be better soon for you. Christ help you in every way, thank you Holy Christ, amen.
I saw a baby monarch butterfly today, in my way to the bus stop.
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3 people like this
@kaylachan (74445)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
30 Jun 22
I wish you the best of luck and hope it goes well. You will be missed, but you need to take care of yourself first.
2 people like this
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@aninditasen (16608)
• Raurkela, India
1 Jul 22
Lovely butterfly and your great spirit. Wishing you a safe surgery and quick recovery.
2 people like this
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Jan 23
I never wanted to share about my personal situation. But I chose to this time. I was worried at first about the outcome. Many things could have gone wrong. It was major but thankfully with great doctors, a success. So kind of you.
1 person likes this
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@Tampa_girl7 (51207)
• United States
2 Jul 22
I’m so glad that I saw this . I pray your surgery will be successful.![](/Content/images/emotes/hugs.gif)
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1 person likes this
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@RasmaSandra (82219)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Jul 22
Lovely photo. I wish you all the best of luck and many blessings and will keep you in my prayers till you return and I know you are all right,
1 person likes this
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@RasmaSandra (82219)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Jul 22
@CarolDM many blessings and best of luck to you
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@1creekgirl (42205)
• United States
1 Jul 22
The link was very informative. I'm so sorry I didn't see this post yesterday, so you may already be in surgery. But when you check your comments, please know I'm praying for you right now. May God grant you complete healing, my dear friend.![](/Content/images/emotes/hugs.gif)
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
I never talked about it until this post. A difficult decision to make to have brain surgery. But things went smoothly in the hospital. Vanderbilt truly is the best in my opinion. I am ecstatic it is over. And the exertion headaches are gone. I can cough and laugh without pain finally.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@DianneN I am starting to, it has been a long painful recovery and with him cutting through neck muscles, tendons and nerves, that is what is taking so long to heal. They did a scalp block and I will never have another unless I am knocked out. Oh my goodness did that hurt. But I can tell things are getting better each day.
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@VivaLaDani13 (60827)
• Perth, Australia
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM I'm very sorry I am late to reading this (and some others of yours I will be reading and answering after this). I haven't been on much.
I'm so sorry you've been going through this and dealing with some unwanted symptoms. I do hope that this will be the answer to fixing it. *big hugs* It sounds like you got some very amazing doctors and surgeons around you!
Thank you for the update. I already know that many of us would be wondering where you were if we hadn't heard from you. And thank you for the link. I have never heard of it.
Take care Carol! ![](/Content/images/emotes/hugs.gif)
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@VivaLaDani13 (60827)
• Perth, Australia
15 Aug 22
@CarolDM I always believe that slowly is always better than not moving at all. (which can apply to anything). So I am glad to know you are getting there even if it's at a slow pace. I'm grateful you had the surgery you've been needing for a long time.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Aug 22
@VivaLaDani13 Thanks my friend. I am glad I finally had it as well.
1 person likes this
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