Ten Years. A Decade.

That's how long I lived with debilitating symptoms before I was finally diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation. Until then, Chiari was a word I'd never encountered, a medical term, a brain condition I didn't know. Now it controls my life.

Pre-diagnosis I was frustrated and subjected to test after test with no results, until we were out of options. My life became unbearable, and I began to despair of ever knowing what was wrong.

But eventually we did get answers and I learned that with the right treatment and support, it's possible to live with a Chiari malformation. Perhaps not the life I planned but a new life, one that gives its own rewards - and you can experience that too.

I'm not a medical expert - I draw purely on my own experiences but living with Chiari means my knowledge is true. I know where you are. I know how you're feeling, and I understand how incredibly tough, painful and lonely the road can be.

And for the professionals, via this book and my experiences I hope to be able to educate in a way that enlightens yourselves and your patients. I've included personal journals from my three brain surgeries along with countless hints, tips and advice discovered by trial and error.

There is life with Chiari - I'm proof of that - but it doesn't only affect the sufferer. The poignant diaries my husband shares here during the worst of days are testament to this.

My name is Joanne. I have a Chiari malformation.

You may have one too.

It's not just a headache.

But you're no longer alone.