10 Steps to Conquering Chiari

Right after I was diagnosed, and before my decompression surgery, I was told about a book that could be very helpful. I bought the book and it had so much wonderful information in it. It really was helpful for me. The book is called Conquer Chiari. A Patient's Guide to the Chiari Malformation. It is by Rick Labuda. If you have Chiari, or know someone who does, I strongly recommend you get this book. There is even parts in there for the care givers who have to help and deal with those of us with Chiari. It is broke down to where if you do not have much time, you can read just one chapter. If you have more time, other chapters go into much more detail. The last chapter, Chapter 9, is called Conquering Chiari and it is where I am getting the 10 Steps to Conquering Chiari. The book goes into detail and explains each of the steps in more detail than I will do here. But, it is something that I am trying to do and remember every day. I do have Chiari. I am a Chiari Warrior. But, I do not want this disease to destroy my life. It is definitely a life changer, but I will win the fight. I know Chiari will eventually win the war, but I will fight it and win every battle along the way.

10 Steps to Conquering Chiari, as printed in Conquer Chiari: A Patient's Guide by Rick Labuda:
1. Move past the anger to acceptance
2. Prioritize & Focus
3. Be smart & creative
4. Live a healthy lifestyle
5. Stay active (don't give into fear)
6. Know when to push & when to ask for help
7. Pursue your dreams
8. Have faith, stay positive & find laughter where you can
9. Look to yourself, not others
10. Never give up, never give in


Some of these things are easier for me than others. Although I am still not allowed to do much, I am having a very hard time with #6. I don't ask for help very well and this has been the most difficult thing for me. I am going to also have problems with #2. I have always done a lot of things all at the same time. This will not work any longer. If I do too much, I can definitely feel it. Of course, this also falls over into #7 because it is going to be so much more difficult to finish my doctorate now. I will do it, I'm just not sure how long it will take.

This is an ongoing process. Some days I will be better than others. But, these are things I can strive for.