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Elizabeth’s Story

Site created on September 23, 2019

Welcome to Elizabeth's Caringbridge site, we are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. As some of you may know Elizabeth has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation ... I know... What the heck is that and more importantly how the heck do you pronounce it.. Allow me... (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal putting unwanted pressure on the brain. Elizabeth has experienced symptoms of migraine, head and neck pain, problems with balance, numbness, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, insomnia, the list goes on... Due to the severity of her condition a surgery called Decompressive Craniectomy is required. Don't worry there's no tests after the blog... No need to remember all of this medical mumbo jumbo!!

Elizabeth will get a call 3-5 days prior to the surgery, (it's like being pregnant, you have a due date but you aren't really sure when it will happen, you just have your bag packed and be ready to go). Following the 8 hour surgical procedure, she will be in the hospital for a few days (likely 5) and following discharge from the hospital there will be a 4 month recovery time. In the beginning she will not be able to lift anything heavier than a towel (I'm still convinced a Corona is lighter than a towel).

In true Elizabeth fashion she has remained positive through this process, prepping her family as best she can, all Halloween costumes and candy have been purchased so the kiddos are happy!!

Elizabeth is like wonder-woman, I honestly don't know how she does it; working a full time job, caring for 4 kids... 5 if you count Scotty, a dog, a household, driving here, there, this rink, that rink, cooking, cleaning and more importantly amongst the chaos she finds the time for you and I. She is the ear that listens, never to judge. The voice of reason when in doubt, and that laugh that comes from the pit of her belly making even our toughest days seem a little brighter!
Thank you Elizabeth for taking care of us all, now it's our turn to take care of you!

Thank you for visiting Elizabeth's site, please stay tuned on how the procedure goes and how you can help!!

Yo, O'Hare you got this Girl !!!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Lindsay O’Hare — Dec 24, 2019

I think the surgeons smile was bigger than mine at the latest appointment. For the first time in months, we are able to look forward and finally focus on recovery. We’ve never been able to talk about next steps because of all the set backs but today, there’s only one way to go and that’s up!!

Our entire family could never fully express how much your love, prayers and support have meant to us. The meals, parking passes, gift cards and words of encouragement have completely blown us away. To say we are blessed is an understatement, to say we are thankful is not nearly enough. This was but a small blip, a minor setback in the game of life and we are excited for the next stage. I have already benefited greatly from the surgeries, the pain and suffering has been minimized and I am so happy to have my health and my life back.

We would again like to thank each and every one of you, the doctors, the nurses and especially our family. It takes a village and we needed every single one of you. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all our love for a happy and healthy 2020!!

Read More of the journal titled "A Message From Elizabeth "

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