Tracey’s Story

Site created on April 29, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
Tracey has a rare condition called Arnold Chiari malformation.  Chiari malformation is a  structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and many other areas. Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit above an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to pass through it (called the foramen magnum).  Tracey’s cerebellum tonsils have descended through that opening. This causes many symptoms, the worst would include severe migraines balance issues, loss of vision, speech issues, motor skills, numbness and chronic pain all down the left side of her body.  Tracey was in a golf cart accident in 2012 that exasperated her condition to the point she was in a wheel chair and basically had to learn to walk and talk again after surgery a year later.  She was symptomatic for the past 5 years, but the cerebellum has descended again causing all these symptoms to come back and some worse.  The surgery is complicated and complex, and they have interviewed several doctors but need prayer in finding the right doctor, and would especially like that doctor to be nearby.

Newest Update

Update

Journal entry by Tracey Joiner —

Hello Friends and family,

I know it’s been awhile since my last update on here but really there hasn’t been much to update aside from we are still awaiting insurance approval (Gratton’s company switched insurance on June 1st) on a few procedures but I do have a few appointments coming up. I am still experiencing a lot of pain, balance, vision, weakness, and tingling. But we are staying faithful to God and he has been seeing me through it all. 
Thank you for the prayers. I ask for continued prayers for not only me but my husband and kids as they go through this with me. 
As I know more information I will update you throughout the month. Thank again for all the support. 
Read More of the journal titled "Update"
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