I found it hard to explain to friends and family how it felt to have Chiari and Syringomyelia.

I could explain that I was in pain, that I was dog tired all the time and that I couldn't do what I used to do......well sometimes I could anyway. Sometimes I just felt like they thought I was a big fake. I couldn't explain clearly enough why I couldn't manage to do certain things every day, or that I just didn't have the energy or drive or capability to make an appointment, a date or just make enough effort sometimes to complete the simplest of tasks. I couldn't plan too far in advance....and I still can't to this day.

Then I found an absolutely perfect story on the internet, written by a lady who suffers with Lupus - Christine Miserandino.

Get it here

This helped me by sharing someone else's experiences.

Please think about supporting her by purchasing a copy, and perhaps give it to someone who is affected by either Chiari or Syringomyelia to show them that you do understand and that you are there for them.

Other Links:

Does Chiari and Syringomyelia affect everyone in the same way?
How I explained it to my young kids
Do you blame other symptoms on Chiari?
Natalie’s Story