UPDATE ON MY HEALTH ISSUES WITH CHIARI MALFORMATION 1

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

*I forgot to mention that a couple of months after the MRI the numbness in my hands went into my feet also. The pressure in my hands is intense (especially at nighttime) I also try and do neck exercises/stretches daily and occasionally I will hear a very loud CRACK inside my head, which is terrifying to hear but there is no pain when this happens.*

[@ThrashinNSlashin]

No matter what life throws at you you're always positive. Every young person should take from that

[@evanshear5378]

I appreciate your bravery to discuss your personal issues. It’s genuine and heartfelt. You deserve peace and wellness in your life. I’m seriously hoping it happens for you. 🙏

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks very much.

[@RichStrickler]

Thanks for the health update Larry. I've been concerned because you've ceased the livestreams for several months now. I understand those can get quite lengthy and add to your pain and discomfort. Appreciate you sharing your story with us. Hope eventually that someday you'll be pain-free. Take care!!!

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks very much Rich. I did a live chat a few days ago on another channel which was fine but afterwards I was not so fine ha ha.

[@Juan-wo7zu]

I can’t believe I didn’t even know until now, it’s a real shame that you’re in pain. You’re a real genuine person, keep up the high quality content.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Thank you!

[@carltwidle3287]

I have a good doctor. He is American, he lived in Arizona. I felt uncomfortable at first with him. In the past I had a doctor I didn't like so I went doctor shopping for another. It's important to be comfortable with a doctor. I had a brain injury which caused not only trauma, it has caused me to have difficulty in daily functions My life is simple now. 😌 But i am happier than I have ever been because I have made changes in areas. My arthritis causes pain for me. I manage it Don't beat yourself up Larry be kind to yourself. I treat myself. 😋 I fill my life with good 🎶 music. Please keep showing us music postings. From Carl.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you, Carl. 🙂

[@DanSPsych67]

Hey Larry!! Have Been Going Through some Health Issues Myself.... I Just Turned 70 .... Get Frustrated!! Thanks For Honesty!! Honored To See You Sharing And being Open With Your health Issues.... Being A Fellow Music Collector, I Feel Even Closer In Our Kinship!!! Good Luck And Keep The Faith!!!

[@mikebass3723]

Hearing more about your experiences with this makes me realize how we take simple things of everyday life for granted. Life is difficult enough, and it sure isn't made easier when your body is working against you. It's hard to believe that you've been struggling with this for years, and yet you still have the energy to entertain us. Larry, you are a real life Superman! I have unlimited respect and admiration for your openness about this personal topic and your perseverance, trying to find relief. Please know you've been in my thoughts, and I hope this gets better for you! Having 12-hour shifts for all those years, I'd say you've put in more than your fair share of hard work, and I'm hoping the fine people from workman's comp come to their senses, and award you a smooth transition into retirement, which you absolutely deserve. If there's any advice I could offer you, maybe direct the right representative to this video, if you need to! When you see a face, it's much more difficult to write that person off as just a number. I wish you nothing but the best, my friend! :)

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much.

[@paulhopkins2142]

Hi Larry, wow that is one hell of an emotional story. Very honest and revealing as always. You have , and are clearly still having , some very difficult times which I truly hope you can get some resolution with. It’s great though that you haven’t lost your fun side and humour that comes through so strongly in most of your posts. keep that going and don’t lose heart.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks very much, Paul. 🙂

[@robynbright9438]

To survive in the modern world we need a job. The repetitive nature of most jobs is a recipe for RSI and chronic disabilities. So many of us empathize with you, Larry. Our bodies are strained or broken but the help we need is not readily available. Unless workplace practices recognize this and change it will happen for generations after us. I sincerely hope you get a satisfactory result soon. At least your retirement age is still 65. Ours here (Australia) is now 67 and the carrot always seems to be just out of reach.

[@Baz63]

for all your troubles i was shocked when you said you were coming up to 65. Hope i look as well at that age is all i can say. Good luck for the future and hope all turns out positively for you. As a music lover my tinnitus can be very disruptive and i have to have a fan on in the bedroom irrespective of the weather just to mask the noise. I'm lucky in a way as it is not constant and spicy foods seem to aggravate the condition so easy to avoid them. However after years of the condition i can 'relax' into the condition thus lowering blood pressure which can help reduce the noise...sometimes. Not sure how this may help you but thought it worth mentioning.

[@janetsampson1779]

Sorry you've had it so rough Larry but things are getting better for you,your getting proper medical attention now,your You Tube channel is flourishing and you have Mollie,yes each day is better then the day before Larry. Bob.

[@juliemedeiros1082]

thank you so much for sharing, Larry - I know that everything will be ok. You are so highly thought of and cared about - good karma will make its way through this for you 😇🙂

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much and congrats on your CN Tower adventure! 🙂🙂🙂

[@juliemedeiros1082]

@@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin it was so much fun 🤩

[@JoeSinopoli]

I'm enjoying the freedom of this channel.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks Joe! 🙂

[@mikejennings4180]

Thanks for sharing your story. You’ve clearly been through a lot, and I wish you nothing but the best going forward, in terms of dealing with the insurance company and your chronic pain.

[@geotechmore8855]

You're such a happy go lucky guy in your videos that I wouldn't know that you were in pain at all. You're a strong man to deal with chronic pain the way that you do.. I hope that things work out and I think that they will. Keep staying strong the way that you are.. Keep rOcKin' your vids!

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks very much. 🙂

[@geotechmore8855]

@@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin Your very welcome Larry! Do me favor and bring some Canadian cool air down here to New Jersey. It's been close to 100 degrees F down here the last few days.. Very hot.. )^_-)/

[@simonmarsh7529]

One of the most moving videos I’ve seen. It’s certainly a very difficult journey you’ve been on. You’ve done amazingly well to get through and still manage to produce your amazing content.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much, Simon.

[@franco426]

Thanks for sharing. A lot of us who follow this channel know people who are going through something similar and can sympathize with your plight. Hope it all will turn out well in the end.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you!

[@stephenrostkoski837]

Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right doctor and treatment. It took me 30 years of pain until I could get my surgery. I hope you can find relief soon. Be careful with those pain meds though. I was on and off of them for a long time and they are not really a long-term solution. Good luck with your disability payments as well. I've been through that process too. All the best, Larry.

[@snpok524]

Best of luck with your health Larry from a fellow Sparks fan, my shoulder and arm has been agony for the past few weeks, thanks for your advice in saying you need to speak up. I will do that from now on.

[@rachelsghost]

In for support. Chronic pain is the worst. Obviously wishing you ongoing support and pain management, Larry ❤

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much, Rachel.

[@jimquinn5316]

Hi Larry thank you for sharing your story , you are being very honest with everyone , and I hope that everything works out for you going forward , and whatever is for you, will not pass you by. Stay strong and positive which I know you will.

[@markandresen1]

I appreciate the link here, Larry, and your candour.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you, Mark.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

Glad for the update. It’s difficult sometimes finding medical staff that listen. ☺️

[@BigSky1]

Hi Larry, I feel for you. I am 60 and my shoulders and neck are always stiff due to driving for a living over many years. I also now have round shoulders due to the driving position and poor posture from sitting all day. I also wake up un the morning with back ache from sleeping. Getting old is not always fun.

[@joemorgan4740]

Hi larry you have done brilliant to get to were you are im sorry to hear about your pain . Life is a struggle i have had my issues too and still struggling. I can’t offer you help or advice but I hope you get a good news and wish you all the best keep smiling. Take care joe

[@kdrc]

Powerful story. With so much experience with doctors having documented the pain hopefully you get the permanent ODSP that you need.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you!

[@sturmraist50]

I "enjoyed" hearing your story although I wish you didnt have these problems. All best wishes to you for your health, Larry!

[@Bundydream]

Hi Larry, about 12 years ago I got diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. My symptoms were different to yours - it started with intense pain/pressure building up in my head when I coughed. I remember being sick one time with a bad flu and being the pain that I would get in my head every time I coughed was terrible. As time went on, I found that I also suffered the same pain in my head when I bent down, or from laughing. Imagine not being able to laugh without it causing intense pain. It got so bad at one time, that if I needed anything out of a kitchen cupboard, I would have to ask somebody else in my family to get it for me. I was lucky that I got a referral from my GP to a Neurologist who sent me for an MRI, and that was when I got the diagnoses. I had never heard of it either. Now the strange thing is, that 10 years ago, my husband and I decided to sell up and move from Brisbane where we lived to a smaller coastal town about 4 hrs away. I had been working as a public servant for 12 years and got the opportunity to put my hand up for a redundancy from my job, thus the reason for us deciding to move. Now my job that I left was fairly stressful, as it was very busy and dealing with customers as well as a supervisor who I did not like or get along with. Ever since finishing that job and moving towns, I have never once suffered with any of the symptoms at all. This has often made me wonder whether stress had been a contributing factor to the condition. I don't know - I almost feel like a fraud even saying that I had it. I'm just thankful that I no longer get the pain in my head. Anyway Larry, have you heard of the surgery that people can have to relieve the pain from Chiari? Some call it decompression surgery. Also, there are support pages on facebook - I am a member of one called Chiari and Syringomyelia Support Group Australia. I am sure there are groups in your country too. Good luck Larry.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Glad you are better. Yes, I've heard of decompression surgery but the specialist I saw said the surgery was for type 2 and I have 1, but that is just his opinion. I think that is what I need as the pain is worst than it was when I got the MRI last June. Thank you.

[@MichaelGarbutt-r8]

I see a specialist in London for my issues but my issues pale in comparison to what you're going through so I hope for the best for you.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you Michael!

[@thetrevorosborne]

All the very best to you from sunny England .Many thanks for your honesty all respect Larry

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you!

[@powbarabajagal2435]

Larry, of course I’d love to give you helpful advice, but about all I can say is that I appreciate your willingness to share your own history and frustrations with trying to work for a living and get appropriate medical care. I feel I’ve been both lucky and unlucky with my life path. I’ve been lucky in that my both my divorced parents helped me out for 20 years after I graduated from high school; my dad financially and my mom emotionally, until both them passed away about a decade ago. Without their help I bet I would have wound up homeless or worse. At age 50, after years of frustration, I was officially certified as being on the autistic spectrum. It was both a personal vindication and also really didn’t much as far as getting help. I had struggled through college and gotten degrees, yet I was pretty bad at holding down a lot of jobs, so usually I worked as a landscaper. But as I’ve gotten older, various work injuries I’ve had mean I have to avoid more and more physical work. Nowdays I work at a nursery helping customers and watering plants. A team of about 3 people have to water the whole outdoor nursery daily, which is thousands of plants in the heat. But I’m kept from loading heavy trees, bales of compost, and cement fountains because I don’t have the strength anymore. I do appreciate that this job seems to value my horticultural knowledge and ability to help customers. They usually lay me off for several weeks in the winter because they don’t want to pay me for indoor work, like selling Christmas knicknacks in their gift department and also don’t want to injure me loading Christmas trees. The second year I worked at this job (I’m going on my fourth year) I really strained my neck and had a lot of shooting pain down my arms for months. I have limited flexibility in my lower back and my knees are wearing out. So I have seen physical therapists off and on. The last time I had a lot of pain they finally resorted to a high dose of oral presnisone, and I’ve been pretty good now for about a year. If I bump my head and jar my neck, the pain surges back for a short period of time but really I’m still doing ok. Just wanted to say I can relate and it’s scary to deal with, I personally don’t believe my own pain is never coming back but just hoping I can avoid it because I have another decade until retirement age. I do get health insurance with this job, it’s not great but it’s something.

[@katstevens8266]

BE OK !

[@CHAOS_ASMR]

Hi Larry. Kudos to you for sharing your story. As someone who also deals with chronic pain, I can relate. Regarding your earlier statements in this video, let me preface with; Love you and your content. It is difficult to give constructive feedback (especially through KZbin comments) without sounding harsh. But I promise that I give this suggestion with the best of intent. To make your videos more "ASMR", if you speak more slowly and softer, (borderline whispering) with a slow and smooth cadence, I think that will appeal to much more of the ASMR community. Across your various channels throughout the years I've heard you speak more softly and quietly and your voice is amazing, perfect for ASMR. Have been watching for years and look forward for what is to come!

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks very much. I just prefer to totally be myself in these videos and use my natural voice. I've had quite a few comments on my main channel that people find my regular voice calming. I had many requests to start up another ASMR channel where I could be a bit more relaxed and not feel as rushed.

[@CHAOS_ASMR]

@@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin Thank YOU for making such great content over the years!

[@wendythomson2542]

Hope you are feeling better.

[@paulgreen6302]

Youre being very honest bring back the rack stretch you out keep well big john the body is still a mystery painkillers can only do so much.

[@benwilliams5492]

Thank you for sharing your story Larry. I have had to have time off work in the past for health issues and it can be difficult to speak up when you’re suffering, I found.

[@johnpickstone9846]

Hi Larry You are not alone in this My wife has suffered in a similar way for the last 10 years, I know it’s frustrating seeing those ‘useless’ doctors as she calls them So many visits to ‘specialists’ who can do nothing but prescribe painkillers As I said you are not alone Hope you can find a cure, if so can you let us all know

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thanks John!

[@RonnysMusic]

My doctor told me to drink 8 bottles of water everyday for inflammation pain. This may be no help to you but it did help me. Best of luck to you Larry and may you find relief.

[@Andy.Moore.AndysTreasureTrove]

Thanks for giving a really good summary of how all this has played out. You are definitely not alone, and I’m glad that at least you’re close to retirement age. But isn’t it ironic that when you’re in pain and most in need of help, that’s when you also have to deal with bureaucracies and sometimes fight for what’s right? Is there a no cost or low cost lawyer specializing in disability claims that you can get advice from? I’m not suggesting that you become litigious, but some professional help at this time might be useful. Otherwise, just keep repeating your truth and don’t get tripped up by anything they throw your way. Good luck and thanks for keeping us posted. A lot of people are rooting for you, Larry.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Thanks Andy. Still no word even though the deadline was August 9th but I am in contact with a lawyer in case things don't go my way.

[@lisasmith7474]

I know you haven't been diagnosed very long. But I also have chiari. And so I can give you information about it. And I understand all of it. Took me 16 years to get into a neurosurgeon and he explained general doctors and many neurosurgeons do not know how to diagnose it .

[@aprilshow8]

I’m in California. I was Decompressed for my Chiari and severe syringomelia November 8th 2021. Also had a VP shunt placed Nov 22th. I feel worse now than I did before my surgery and my syrinx has also grown. And yet, despite two brain surgeries and numerous procedures including a lumbar drain, I have been continuously denied SSI. I am financially ruined as I there’s no possible way I can work. I am physically, financially and emotionally drained 😞

[@jessefinch4071]

I have Periodontal disease and acid reflux problems, Back when I used to push carts I thought it was heart problems went to the doctor 2 days later he said sometimes acid reflux can go all the way up to your chest and can fool the body into thinking it's something heart related which it isn't, The blood work came back and everything was normal, I am surprised my heart rate is normal with all the sugary drinks I consume hah, Actually when I came home from a hard day of cart pushing, Blood Pressure would be normal, Heart Rate would always be high, Due to that Oklahoma heat and working with the carts haha.

[@helenapersson9499]

Let us know how it goes! 🙏🏻

[@patriksweden9203]

Let us know how it goes

[@sheilaathay2034]

💖

[@boburso5637]

Is it ironic to "like" this video being the subject matter is pain? It is so frustrating to have doctors not "LISTEN" to you, then misdiagnose or provide the wrong treatment. Nobody understands someone else' pain because everyone's pain is their own pain. I had a lot of similar experiences after getting rear ended in a car accident in 2016. In short, it hurt between my shoulder blades every time I inhaled so just breathing caused constant pain. I did lots of physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractors, epidural, ablation, heat, ice, and that suction cup thing that swimmers do. Maybe I got a little relief sometimes, but the pain always came back. Sometimes it felt like someone hitting me on the spine with a ball peen hammer and sometimes it felt like a knife (which I preferred over the hammer), but mostly a broomstick jammed into my back. Sounds like Canada has the same type of medical where the insurance controls the doctor's decision. I myself in the last year found a chiropractor that LISTENED to my story and symptoms and almost fixed me in one shot. I also ended up on "THE ELIMINATION DIET" because it turned out I had chronic inflammation as well which was pinching some nerves. After thousands of dollars spent and actually getting sued by my own health insurance (no kidding), I found some relief and regained my Quality of Life. I have been called a hypochondriac many times and even lost friends because of that life changing event. MY ADVICE TO YOU, LARRY is to keep trying different things until you find what works for you. All kinds of people would give me their advice as if they were an "EXPERT" in my pain and knew nothing of what I was going through. I would have gone on disability if I could at the time. All of my energy was just to make it through the day of work, hit a drive through on the way home, lay in bed, or sleep hoping I would wake up feeling better. One thing you said is that SOME DAYS YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE CURED. I had that happen many times, so don't give up hope. What was different about those days where you felt better? What food did you put in your body? I found that THE ELIMINATION DIET made a bunch of symptoms go away or improve over 95%. It was not necessarily for identifying food allergies, but food sensitivity. The most surprising one for me was cucumbers give me heartburn. I really hope you find something that works. Good luck to you.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much, Bob.

[@ka-peach7945]

I am touched with what you have to go through. You look really young for your age though so there's that. I wonder why you didn't look for and get a job that isn't repetitive when this condition first appeared? There are endless jobs that require no repetitive work whatsoever.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Limited jobs... And I enjoyed the jobs overall.

[@basicallywellfed3453]

You keep a goof face showing with the condition you have, keep well my friend :)

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you, I will

[@basicallywellfed3453]

I had heart failure fr five years before my heart attack, and my GP (Family Doctor) just fobbed me off, only once I had a heart attack and a Stent fitted did they tell me I was right, that the heart failure was worse than it needed to be because it went untreated. My life lesson is that you need to be up the backside of the medics 24/7 or you simply get ignored by them, or fobbed off (as you were with antidepressants). Good luck to you CSM - be brave and bold - mighty forces will come to your aid!

[@katstevens8266]

Dont smoke ciggs man made chems

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

I don't smoke, thanks.

[@eileenbrocklehurst514]

Get some Botox go and see a specialist. I had pain through a trapped nerve I could barely walk or lie down. I wondered after trying all these tens machines the doctor had sent me for X-rays. And the uk doctors don’t give out pain medication like sweets. So I did some research and spoke with someone about Botox in the area the pain radiated from. Gave it a go. Three small amounts around the area and two weeks later no pain for the first time in 4years I have it every year to keep the muscle from tightening up around the nerves, and that was 6 years ago.