Java Monster

So Chiari-Life has a facebook page. Help spread awareness by sharing the link and sharing your story on the page! You can "Like" the Chiari-Life facebook page by clicking "Like" on the right side column or by going to http://www.facebook.com/MyChiariLife
I will try to keep that page updated with Daily Chiari Facts, Stories, Resources, etc.
As I said above, feel free to share your story on the wall, your advice, your questions, thoughts, or anything you'd like (Chiari related obviously)

Now to Reference my Dixie Doodle post...the asap.org newsletter came in and here it is:
ASAP Winter 2011/2012 Issue Check out page 6. (Read the rest of the issue too, some good stuff!)

I have been finding a lot of chiarians on Twitter lately. If you're on twitter, follow me @BearlyBurnt and mention my blog so I know how you found me. Lets get #Chiari trending!
Post this on Twitter:
"Trend #Chiari Malformation Awareness! #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari #Chiari RT"

I'm out of things to post so good day to you:)

Rockin' the Purple in my car!

(Couldn't think of a title so I went with the drink I'm currently drinking. Loca Moca Java Monster.)

Words

Chiari in words:

CHIARI

Life

Friend

Help

PAIN

Understanding

Alone

Helpless

Stress

Confusion

Headache

Disorder

SUPPORT

Numb

Damage

Surgery

Decompression

Research

Invisible

Reality

Recovery

Symptoms

Awareness

Fear

Anxiety

Purple

Survive

Dizzy

Burning

Pressure

Balance

Restriction

Tension

Sensitivity

STRENGTH

Straining

Loss

Swollen

Vomiting

Insomnia

Endurance

Community

Syringomyelia

Struggle

Different

Spoonie

Frustration

Conquer

Diagnosis

Scared

Hopeless

Brain

Heal

Tolerance

Learning

Adjustments

Change

Coping

It is not just a headache.

Yesterday I had one of my bad Chiari days. I woke up with this pressure pain all over my head. It felt like someone was blowing up a balloon inside my head. The balloon was continually being blown up with nowhere to go and not popping. (Really hard to explain the pain.)
It felt like my blood vessels were going to explode. It was a throbbing pressure that went from the back of my head/neck all the way up through to my eyes. As if someone was taking an icepick to my skull.
I don't get these often anymore. (Thank God!) It lasted all day. A few ice packs and aspirin later...pain level lowered. So I didn't call off work; I knew it was a slow day. I got off work and the pain level went right back up. It was a miserable trying to fall asleep. More aspirin and ice packs. Finally fell asleep. Woke up at 4 AM and it was finally gone (as good as gone anyways).

This came out of nowhere. If only there was a way to predict when these days were going to come up...I'd be able to prepare myself. (Not that it would necessarily help)
I hate that when you say headache it comes with the assumption that it can all be taken care of with some tylenol. A headache? Oh ok that's nothing. It's not just a headache. I want to punch the person who gives me that reply. You don't understand what I'm feeling. You do not understand my pain. You do not take the time to listen to me tell you. Why do you ask me how I am in the first place if you really don't want to know the answer? Frustration.
Anyways...I have always had a hard time describing my head pain. Its a weird pain. What do you do when you are explaining it to someone else?
All chiarians out there... I'd like you to post here with your description of your worst Chiari "Headache"
Don't hold back on your description. What does it feel like when you are having a bad Chiari day?


Oh and Happy Friday the 13th!
In honor of Friday 13th ScaresThatCare is having their $5.00 Donation Day. Click their name to help out sick kids and a chance to win some cool prizes! Learn More Here

My sisters blog on Photography & Modeling :Model Eliza Jayne