Hi!
I have been diagnosed with Chiari 0 Malformation with 3mm herniation. Obviously I don’t fit the 5mm criteria for Type 1. I started taking Diamox and became violently ill.
Is there another alternative drug that has the same or similar effects? We discussed that my herniation is possibly a result of hydrocephalus and the pressure pushing down on my brain.
I have neck pain all the time that radiates to my shoulder blades. I also have issues changing postures. Lying down is comfortable for a little and then the pain comes back. However, when I sit up I feel like I am going to faint.
Not sure where to go from here. My doctor does not want me to continue taking Diamox, and I don’t really want to consider decompression surgery just yet.
Thanks!
Jill
Hi Jill, There is no magic answer, but because there is no substitute, really (lasix can help, but it won’t do nearly as much as Diamox), I’d circle back. Do your doctors know WHY you had a bad reaction? It doesn’t sound like an allergic reaction… Did they check your blood acidity and potassium prior to prescribing? If your CO2 is not WAY above 22 before starting Diamox, you may have suffered with acidity. And how is your potassium level? If both of those are good, I’d next look at your dosage and see if that can be tweaked. Any contraindications, medicine-wise? Your doctors should be able to explain WHY you had a weird reaction, my friend. I wouldn’t let them off the hook that easily (especially if surgery that may or may not help is your only other option). Let us know? 🙂 Diana