i was diagnosed with Chairi Malformation in 2003, i had surgery soon after being diagnosed. It saved my life, as i was getting worse and worse as the days passed. It is now 13 years later, I don't regret having the surgery. My opinion is if you are having many issues to try and talk with a good surgeon and see what it is that they can possibly do for you. I know that they can offer some type of steroid to help with the swelling until you decide to do the surgery. You always have options, just remember that.