Help Dianna’s recovery from Chiari and CSF leak!

Hello, my name is Dianna and I am a 22 year old who was recently diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, and a CSF Leak.

I recently graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with my Bachelor’s of Social Work and got my first professional job straight out of college! Unfortunately, I had to quit less than 2 months after starting due to intense migraines, double vision, neck pain, and trouble balancing.

 It was soon discovered I have a Chiari Malformation which was causing these symptoms, and inducing another condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Additionally, these conditions have also caused me an eye condition called papilledema, which is what is affecting my vision. 

On April 18th, I underwent Chiari decompression surgery, and spent several weeks at home recovering. Surgery was a great success because my migraines have disappeared and my vision is healing. Unfortunately, weeks into recovery I noticed a strange bump on the back of my head. It caused no pain, yet seemed to be growing. Two weeks ago my surgeon discovered I have a csf leak, a rare complication of decompression. He tried draining and applying a pressure wrap to my head for two weeks, but unfortunately the bump came back and is causing me neck pain and headache symptoms. This requires an emergency surgery to patch up, meaning I will have another brain surgery July 9th.

I am hopeful about this situation, yet I do have my worries. This whole medical crisis started in late February and has continued into the present. I have been healthy my whole life, so this has all taken me by surprise. I have been unable to work since March due to my onset of symptoms, surgery, recovery, and now the pattern repeats itself. I was planning to go back to work this July, but with this CSF leak thrown onto me, I am at a loss. I have been fortunate to have a supportive mom and sister who have helped me with some of my financial situation, but they can only help with so much for so long. I have a car note, bills, and I will soon be attending Indiana University’s online MSW advanced standing program in August. I will not let this surgery stop me from attending school, yet I am now worried about financing it and my other bills.

Anyone who knows me personally knows I am a hard worker and hate asking for help. Any donations makes a difference in my life and mean the world. This year has humbled me in many ways and I am learning to be patient with myself and take things day by day. Thank you for reading this far and please share if you can! <3

My cashapp is $diannadardar and venmo is @dianna-dardar

decompression 4/18

My current CSF leak which was drained twice (6/17 &6/24) and wrapped with a pressure dressing for two weeks, yet is still large and in charge!