They cut my head open, your excuse is invalid!

smalldreams75

I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE DOING MUCH BETTER...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK...

Mainebikerchick

This brought tears to my eyes as I was reading! I am in total awe of you, just so you know!

CoderGal

I want a new scar pic! :P

Sassybmom

I have acm as well (6mm not a ton of sx thankfully!)... Do you have EDS? I have a big question on lifting heavy is it even okay or does it put added pressure on the spine? I should probably ask the neurosurgeon or acm group but I'm curious what your neurosurgeon's response was. You are so so so inspiring!

zeusbella

Thank you for sharing your story... you are beautiful.

MeIShouldB

Ok, in all seriousness, I am a super nice person but I like to have some fun too so I hope the title doesn't offend anyone. Life happens to all of us and some of us let it get us down and others give it a swift kick in the you know what. So I am going to try to keep this long story as short as possible. I joined MFP in January of 2011 at 188 pounds and I am only 5'-2" tall, wearing a size 16. Please excuse any ridiculously sized pictures, I am not that good at this. This is what I looked like then:



Then I started eating proper portions, never depriving myself of anything really, just paid attention to quantity for the most part. I didn't eat terribly before, just way too much food. So in my first year I lost right around 50 pounds, wearing a size 10 by eating better, running, lifting weights (machines in the beginning using Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer, then free weights using Stronglifts 5x5), and doing some other things like kickboxing videos, about 3 or 4 days per week. This is what I looked like then:



I continued focusing more of my time on lifting throughout the spring and summer of 2012, and by the middle of the summer I had lost only 2 more pounds, but was wearing a size 6 and looked like this:



So, during the time between summer of 2011 and summer of 2012 I started having headaches every morning. I chalked it up to dehydration, stress, you name it, but nothing was wrong with me. Well, mid summer 2012, the headaches started getting worse and they would linger or happen more often, etc. I decided at that point to try and just maintain my weight as my health was more important that trying to lose the elusive last few pounds. In September of 2012 enough was enough and I decided to see my doctor for a physical and ask about these headaches. We did a bunch of blood work and pretty much came up with nothing. Two weeks after seeing the doctor I got a cold that knocked me down harder than a cold ever had in my life. Two weeks after that I was still so fatigued that I went back. She ordered more blood work. Still nothing. Then I was sent to a blood specialist for more blood work. Still nothing. The symptoms I had were as follows (if I can remember them all): Dizziness, Extreme Fatigue, Double Vision, Weakness in my limbs, Heavy feeling in my chest, Confusion, Numbness and Tingly in my body, The headaches and neck pain continued almost constantly, I became very clumsy and was falling a lot. I stopped driving. Finally in December of 2012 I had MRIs done of my brain and cervical spine. On January 8th 2013 I got my diagnosis, I had a rare brain condition called Chiari Malformation. Here's the link to the Mayo Clinic page on it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiari-malformation/DS00839

I met with a Neurosurgeon on February 5th and he said I had to have brain surgery as soon as possible to relieve the pressure on my brain stem. Basically I had almost no spinal fluid flowing into my brain, causing all of the neurological problems. We scheduled surgery for February 18th. Here's a pic of my stitched up incision:



Here's a pic of my healing incision from a couple of days ago:



And last, here's a pic of me today after getting back from a Starbucks date with a girlfriend 18 days post op still wearing a size 6 and an occasional 4, at 132 pounds:



So, what I am saying here is, life will hit you with ALL kinds of stuff. If you are going to succeed with maintaining your weight you have to be smart about the choices you make during the weight loss process. Don't restrict in ways that you can't continue for the rest of your life. Don't think you have to exercise all day every day to maintain your weight. I haven't worked out since July and I've even lost a few pounds in the process! Ultimately just keep pushing through, don't let things get in the way...big or small. I go back to my surgeon on March 19th for my post op visit where is SHOULD clear me for driving and exercise again. I can hardly wait to get moving again. This surgery has given me my life back, most of the symptoms disappeared before I left the ICU. A few more have gone since I have gotten home. Pretty much all that is left is an itchy incision and a bit of a headache. If I can get through this, you can get through your tough stuff too!

I clicked on this topic b/c I too have had my head cut open LOL. Hydrocephalus. My friend's son has Hydrocephalus as well as the same thing you have. So with all that and your dedication to get fit....YOU ROCK!

kj5850

Thanks and congrats! I am sidelined with a herniated disc now and having a hard time mentally. I lost 62 pounds before the injury and am at 70 now. I am frustrated and your story will help me keep focused.

cupcakes_and_cardio

Amazing - you're such a strong individual! I love your positivity and you look wonderful! Keep up the great work, you are my inspiration

LexiAtel

Wow, great job! I like the second picture best, but you look healthy as is.

strawberrytoast

Thanks for sharing, glad you got sorted :flowerforyou:

udamom

congrats to you! and glad they were able to fix you up!

WeepingAngel81

Great story. Thanks for the kick in the butt! I hope you continue to heal well and that you enjoy getting back into your workout routine.

abikinibyjuly

Fabulous job and wishing you health and happiness!

MB_Positif

Thanks for all the new comments I really need to post a new update! I'll put something together tomorrow! My current profile pic is my scar today, 4 months post op!

NewDad24

I am nearly speechless.

ChristinaR720

You are amazing, and such an inspiration! Wow...Just WOW!

MB_Positif

Thank you guys!

scwilson38

You look awesome! Thanks for sharing. This is definitely motivation!

marciebrian

WOW!
I'm semi-speechless. Except that I will write - congratulations on all your hard work, perseverance, and strength! You look amazing, and glad to hear you are feeling amazing these days too

exactly what she said. You are amazing and look beautiful...here is to your health and well being. thank you for sharing your beautiful and moving story:flowerforyou:

jennifershoo

Holy crap! Wow! ????