Why do I spend winters in Mexico?

I keep being asked why I'm taking so much time off work and spending winters in Mexico. Well here's why...

2 years ago I was told I needed decompression brain surgery to relieve pressure on my brain, spinal cord and brainstem. After a lot of research into the complications and risks of surgery I decided not to have it done. I also decided it's time to start living the life I want to live. It's time to live in the moment, be grateful and have some fun. Mexico is a part of that. 

I have a neurological condition called Chiari Malformation.

You wouldn't know by looking at me that I had a problem but if you hung out with me long enough you'd see me trip here and there, drop things, you'd see me get wicked headaches and you'd see the weird look on my face when my vision suddenly gets fuzzy or if I turn my head too quickly and my eyes suddenly freak out. It's called nystagmus and it scares the heck out of me when it happens.

This is a comparison of a normal brain and my brain. My problem areas are circled.

This condition shouldn't kill me. Although my neurologist said a serious bang to my head could be life threatening. So I don't do any activities that could cause me to fall and I don't do anything that shakes my head up too much. No skiing, roller coasters, bungee jumping or sky diving for me. There are still lots of others things that I can do. I'm ok not doing anything too risky. Although I do still want to ride a mechanical bull...hmm I'll have to figure that one out. Maybe they can set it to slow motion granny speed for me lol

Even with limitations I still live the best life I can. I plan on being here for a while and I plan on not having surgery unless it's an absolute necessity. When I first opted out of surgery my neurosurgeon had quite a negative reaction to my decision. As I walked out of his office he said "Okay, I guess I'll see you for surgery when you suddenly can't swallow any longer." That was not the time or place for sarcasm. I was unimpressed and found another doctor. The second surgeon was much more understanding and recommended that due to the risks that I could wait to do surgery until I can't stand my symptoms any longer. I agreed. I can live with headaches and various other symptoms but I can't live with having meningitis, spinal fluid leaks or a stroke. The gambler in me is betting on the condition not getting any worse. I hope I'm right. I have an MRI yearly and so far, so good. Next one is on October 9th, wish me luck.

So that's the why.

In spite of it all - life is still good. I'm choosing to focus on the things I can still do, not on the things I can't. Heck I woke up to a beautiful Mexican sunrise this morning. Damn right life is good! :)