2nd Opinion results

Ok, first of all, I'm sorry for taking so long to get the results published.  So, we had my appt last Tuesday, and went to Dr. Mapstone at Oklahoma University Medical Center.  He is actually a pediatric neurosurgeon who also specializes in adults with chiari and syrinxes.  He took a look at my MRI films and said that the first thing is he wants to get 2 more MRIs, of my Thoracic and Lumbar spine.  He said that 10% of individuals with Chiari, also have a tethered spinal cord.  That is basically where the spinal cord has attached to the vertebrae, and this is actually pulling the cerebral tonsils down into the spinal canal.  So, I have that MRI scheduled for May 7th, the Monday before we go back to O'Fallon for my niece's graduation.  Hopefully they will call me before and/or while I'm in O'Fallon so I can fill everyone in while I'm there.  Other than the additional MRIs, he said that the syrinx concerns him, however since I'm not exhibiting any symptoms and they syrinx is so small, he doesn't feel that surgery is a necessity at this point.  So that was good news, at least we knew that we had options.
So, armed with this new information, we talked about things a little more after this appointment.  We've actually decided that we are going to go ahead with the surgery for a few reasons.  Without the surgery, I feel like I would be living life waiting for symptoms to occur, and each and every little thing, I would worry about.  In addition, we are in a position right now that would make surgery easier than if we waited.  We are in a location where there are plenty of neurosurgeons nearby, including the chiari specialist.  A year from now, who knows where we might be, we may be very limited on our neurosurgeon options.  We also have a great deal of family in the immediate area, and a significant number more within a days drive.  This could potentially change dramatically with our next assignment.  The last influencing factor, is insurance.  If we were to wait, and I needed surgery after I got out of the military, the insurance question would be up in the air.  Whereas right now, Tricare covers EVERYTHING.  I don't have to worry about being out of work for 2 months without pay, and I don't have to worry about any copays.  I realize, cost is an awful reason to consider having brain surgery, but it has to factor in to an extent.  This alone, I'm not sure would push me to surgery, but this in conjunction with everything else, it just seems like the right thing for us to do.
We are still waiting to get the results of the MRIs on the 7th, as findings from those may influence things as well.  Once I get the results from this, I will also hopefully find out if the specialist is willing to do the surgery, or if we will have to consider going back to Dr. Robertson.  Hopefully we will also be able to schedule the surgery at that point.  Definitely more to come on that.