@resawaller have you discussed your feelings about the surgery with your surgeon? Maybe you can discuss the positives and negatives of possible outcomes with the surgeon to hopefully make you more comfortable having the surgery. Also, have you thought about getting a second opinion?

@resawaller Before letting them cut your head open, please get a 2nd opinion. I had never heard of Chiari malformation unti a few years ago when I connected with my niece in New York. She has it and her life has been a difficult to say the least to live. She is not yet 40 years old and has had many surgeries and has shown me scars and tried to educate the family about Chiari malformation. In fact I believe this to be Chiari malformation education month. She functions a best she can raising a family and now raising her 2 year old grand daughter. I pray for her daily. She had just posted about how few people actually have this disease if a disease is what it is called. Very few and as she says she happens to be one the few. I do not know your medical history or your doctor's advise, but please be sure you are being treated by a surgeon who specializes in Chiari malformation. My prayers are with you.