Contents Under Pressure or Why my brain is too big for my skull...

[violetcoil]

So, some of you know that I had an MRI back in September, which showed that my cerebellar tonsils are ectopic by 7mm. They're not supposed to do that. They're supposed to stop at the foramen magnum. So, I've been doing some research (shocking, I know) and we're back to something that we've already been suspecting for a long time

Comments

[amazonvera]

I will preface all of this with the fact that I don't know crap about the syndrome you're describing, and that above all I want to offer my sympathy. Being in constant pain is no way to have to live.

The first thing that comes to mind is the idea of trying to find a job that offers benefits to all workers. IKEA does this, and it's at no cost to you if you work 24 hours or more, and at the cost of about $175 a month, tax free, if you work less than that (I'd be happy to give you a referral if you needed one). Starbucks and Peet's both do something similar as well.

Another option is to become evaluated as officially disabled and unable to work due to chronic pain/other issues. At that point they have to offer you government benefits, which aren't typically as good as the ones you'd get through one of the above companies, but bennies are bennies. You'd also draw financial benefits which can help offset the necessary co-pays and fees.

Either way, after my neurosurgical experiences, I highly recommend Stanford if and when you get the insurance situation worked out. They're one of the best neuro centers in the world and teams like the one that worked on me specialize in developing new, less invasive, more effective procedures and medical technology improvements. It's shocking the things they can fix or at least improve these days with surprisingly little fuss.

I'll be thinking about you. Good luck and blessings.