I’ll be undergoing brain surgery this summer for a condition called Chiari Malformation. Most people have never heard of it (I hadn’t either until recently!), but it’s a congenital neurological condition where part of the brain extends too low at the base of the skull, crowding the brainstem and disrupting the normal flow of spinal fluid. Over time, this can place significant pressure on the nervous system and lead to progressive neurological symptoms. After many months of worsening symptoms, testing, and consultations with specialists, I’ve decided to move forward with decompression surgery to relieve the pressure on my nervous system and help prevent more serious long-term neurological complications. For me, this has included significant neck & shoulder pain, intense headaches, fatigue, and other neurological symptoms that have gradually become more difficult to manage. My surgery will be done at Johns Hopkins by a Chiari Specialist. This is a major surgery with a significant recovery period, so our family will be leaning on support a bit more than usual in the weeks ahead. We're incredibly grateful for your support and kindness during this season. It truly means so much to us. While meals during recovery are deeply appreciated, encouraging messages and notes of support will mean just as much — so please don’t hesitate to use the message board below! I'll appreciate those kind words more than you realize during recovery. XOXO Lee with Chiari #toomuchbraintocontain P.S. Chiari malformation is estimated to affect ~1 in every 1,000 people in a clinically significant way. Many people never develop symptoms, while others experience significant neurological issues that impact daily life. It is often misdiagnosed or under diagnosed, with sufferers waiting an average of ~3 years for proper diagnosis. I am incredibly grateful to have gotten diagnosed quickly. Listen to your body, advocate for yourself, educate yourself, and invest the time to find great healthcare providers. Life is both short and long! <3
Food Allergies: mango Food Dislikes: eggplant, lamb We’re so grateful for any meals during recovery. Healthy, nourishing options are especially appreciated, but our kids would also love a few familiar kid-friendly favorites mixed in!