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Tracy’s Story (Chiari Malformation)

Tracy's Story Chiari MalformationHello, my name is Tracy Fapetu. I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation about 2 weeks ago. It all started back home in Nashville, Tennessee in 2012, after going back and forth to the doctor about headaches, dizziness, gaining a lot of weight and not knowing why, back pain, and muscle spasms. I often got headaches every other day, all day, and nothing would make them go away. I was always told to take some Tylenol or given pain medication. It was like nobody cared about me. It even led up to me losing my job, but I didn’t give up. I kept on struggling and striving to do my best. I was even told that I had plantar fascia for the numbness and tingling in my hands and feet and was sent to a foot specialist.

At the time all of these things were going on, I was a single parent of 3. I kept switching doctors because I always said he/she don’t know what they were doing. That still didn’t take the pain away, but I had to be strong about it and do what I had to at the time. I had to deal with the pain and suffering for 3 years.

In 2014, I met the man that changed my life, and my husband and I moved to New York City. I decided to go and get checked out by a doctor, and she referred me to a eye doctor, and he then referred me to a neuro specialist, who then ordered an MRI and a lumbar puncture and finally got me some closure for my problems. I want to say thanks to my doctors and my husband. Now I’m on a road to getting it under control. My husband has been here with me through this struggle, and I thank him for that.

Sincerely Yours,

Tracy Fapetu
New York
Submitted 11/24/2015

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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8 comments

  1. Glenn Mcknuckles

    I’m here for you Tracy

    • Tracy Fapetu

      Thanks friend and yes I knew you would …… ????

      Brigitte thanks and I am gonna keep fighting

  2. Brigitte Estelle Gaudreault

    Bonjour Tracy,

    Sorry for the pain you’ve endured but so happy for your love’s support ! Keep that pretty smile always and remember Tracy , ” KEEP FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL ” !☆★☆★♡

    With love from Québec, Canada
    Brigitte Estelle xxx

    • Tracy Fapetu

      Brigitte thanks and yes i am gonna keep fighting like a girl

      • Brigitte Estelle Gaudreault

        Bravo!!!!☆★☆★☆★☆★
        Brigitte Estelle xxx

  3. Cali

    Hang in there Trace, rooting for you back in the Ville! God gone take care of it. He sent you to New York to get it right.

    • Tracy Fapetu

      Thanks Cali and yes he works in mysterious ways and I believe he sent me here for that reason too not only for my husband it was my choice to pick the vibe up and run with it and that’s what I did….. Thanks again

  4. Tracy

    Hello friends,
    Well I’m coming up on the start of my journey I will be having my first brain surgery in about 2 weeks. I’m so nervous and scared at the same time but I know God, my Husband, kids, mom, and friends got me.
    Much Love
    Tracy Fapetu

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