Cauda equina

[ABwn]

I managed to fall last Christmas and ended up with a fractured spine, which has caused cauda equina. I have now been referred by the fracture specialist to a hospital that carries out spinal operations Has anyone had this operation and can anyone give advice or reassurance about this type of operation. Have a lovely weekend and if it's sunny make the most of it.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’m sorry that no one has responded to your question. The best I can offer is that my hairdresser’s mother went to a private hospital in London to have an operation on her lower back, she was in agony - well enough to make the family pay for her to have it done privately - not sure if it was cauda equina though but the operation was a great success.

If you don’t hear from anyone this weekend why don’t you call the ROS advice line on Monday or post your question again?

[ABwn in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you for replying, I do appreciate it. If no-one else responds I'll call the advice line on Monday. It's just the unknown. I suspect that those who have had the operation will no longer be reading this. Take care x

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to ABwn]

Good luck, I'm not surprised you are feeling a bit apprehensive, I’m sure if yu d9nt hear back on here you will find someone to talk to at the ROS on Monday.

[ABwn in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you. I'm so glad I found this group, the support we give to each other is irreplaceable. Hopefully you will get a good night's rest with no pain disturbing you.

[Teriparatide2024]

what part of the country are you in? I believe they do that operation in Brighton…… I understand it has to be done within a certain time frame too. Wishing you all the best.

[ABwn in reply to Teriparatide2024]

Hi teriparatide, am in Hampshire and they do it in Southampton, which is where I'm going. My understanding is that it had to be done quickly as well consequently my asking if anyone had any experience. I received an appointment letter with a date of middle of October with Southampton. I'm assuming that because physically last Christmas I don't think my body would have coped with an op and it wasn't full blown cauda equina, they decided to wait until I had started to build up slightly. I've had 3 appointments with trauma dept!! And the physio department have been brilliant. Sorry for the lengthy post and thank you for replying.

[Teriparatide2024 in reply to ABwn]

Well it sounds as though they’re on top of it, with full knowledge of your particular condition. I’m glad you’ve got it all booked in and wish you all the very best. Please do stay in touch with us as you go through it all and come out the other end. This time next month, it will all be behind you! ❤️

[ABwn in reply to Teriparatide2024]

Thank you Teriparatide, I'm ever so slightly "scared" never having had any serious ops. Will do my best to keep in touch. Brain fog is a nightmare at the moment! 🥰🤞xx

[fraid]

Good luck with the op, I'm sure they'll do a good job as they'll have done it many times before, if that helps. You can google lots about it, I looked it up when I was worried I was heading that way. I had a double micro discectomy years ago which was brill for a time but pain came back and it wasn't till I had a hysterectomy and they scraped a fibroid off my sacrum that it really worked! Sadly my now crumbly spine is a right mess, nowt to be done, sigh. Hope you find the info to allay your fears and all goes well. 🤗

[Teriparatide2024]

I’ve had three major ops, and understand your fear. However, all three (serious ones) have been fully successful. I think surgeons dealing with cauda equina are highly specialized, so you should get the best of the best. 👍💕

[Numptybrain]

I’ve had TLIF surgery as I had bilateral fractures S1/L5 with spinal stenosis and degeneration, most of my discs in my spine are affected and having osteoporosis doesn’t help. I was using a wheelchair for outdoor any distance prior to surgery, after surgery I could walk using my rollator for balance, I’ve managed for 2 years but sadly the levels above are now failing me but I’m walking as long as I can.

Good luck

Take care

Wendy xx

[Holeybones]

My husband has had two operations for spinal stenosis at Southampton and both have gone well with no complications and have improved his back pain and the numbness in his legs. I appreciate that yours is a different condition and that everyone is different but maybe will help with your decision.

Take care

Anne

[ABwn in reply to Holeybones]

Thank you Holeybones. It's always reassuring when you hear of someone experiencing a good, positive outcome. I think age has something to do with it due to having grown up in a period where we didn't have the wonderful experience and good equipment. Am hoping that op will sort out my legs as well. I had already made the decision and was curious about anybody elses experience. Great hearing from you.

[1000Miler]

My son-in-law had cauda equina about 10 years ago. He'd been suffering with back pain for some years but it was worsening. He went for an MRI scan and the next day (presumably when the consultant was looking at it) he received a call from the hospital telling him to attend for an urgent operation. I believe that once diagnosed, this condition needs to be acted upon quickly, to avoid any permanent damage to the nerves in the spine. He had the op and recovered well, returning to normal activities within a couple of months, though he's still careful not to strain his back.

You'll be in expert hands, I'm sure.

[Whiskey60]

Ive not personally had this surgery but worked with a lady who developed cauda equina and was operated on as an emergency. She made a complete recovery and was able to resume her normal activities.

[Millie93]

My nephew had the operation, in Salisbury, about 6 years ago. He’s fully recovered and still playing Sunday league football at 40! He was having weekly physio after about 6 weeks then did the exercises himself. He still does them now. Good luck.

[Jubux]

I would investigate and join the Spinal Injuries Association, which recently merged with a Cauda Equina one. Their specialist nurses could give you advice, both about surgery and coping with it. The organisation has a wealth of information about all matters involving damage to or disfunction of the spinal cord, whether the "injury" was through trauma or not.

[ABwn in reply to Jubux]

Thank you Jubux, I didn't know that. Have an appointment with specialist on 17th October, which gives me time to make sure I know what questions to ask. Much appreciated. Hope all is well with you x