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Severed nerve between L4/L5...long-term affects can occur?

Posted by basenjidad @basenjidad, Sep 12 12:47pm

I was shot in the back 14 years ago and the bullet landed between my L4/L5 vertebrae (Doctor left it due to its location) after severing a nerve (I do not know which). After months of PT and pushing myself, I was able to care for myself and now no one would know what happened unless you saw my scars or I told them. I have diagnoses of ADD, Neurogenic bladder, ED and neuropathy pain in my right foot, which causes spasms in my foot (heel and outside of the foot mostly), in addition to 80% loss of feeling in my foot (gets worse from big toe to pinky).

I just turned 40, and I realize my body is changing/aging, however I have noticed a few differences, most notably with my mental capacities. Since my injury, I have lifelong neuropathy in my right foot
am having trouble with my memory in general, specifically short-term, and abilities. I am curious if nerve damage (such as mine) can lead to more physical issues, especially with the brain. I have found some medical journal articles connecting a GSW w/ nerve damage to brain degeneration. Not looking for any specific diagnoses, but more so to better understand, prepare and trying to limit long-term issues.

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basenjidad | @basenjidad | Sep 24 4:39pm
In reply to @gregd1956 "Dear @basenjidad I’m glad with all of YOU! 14 years ago, you had a “bullet lunged”…..." + (show)
@gregd1956

Dear @basenjidad
I’m glad with all of YOU! 14 years ago, you had a “bullet lunged”… wow, oh, wow…n for me I had surgury (sp?) a few mths ago. 20 years ago another doctor fixed with the first surgery at the end on my back. Back-then that was great, but sure no more running outside, but started running my bicycle.

Anyway, the recent back, fixed the, same-what, places on my bottom back. Well, losing my pain on my legs and rear-ends go rid of pain. But still my falling or doesn’t the balance is not “normal” of this. I work on my lower body when stretching, rasing (sp?) as much I Ann. It works a little better every 4 mths.

Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956

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@greg1956 Thank you for sharing your struggles, as its important for all of us to be able not just to talk about it, but to limit its impact on our lives.

I agree, stretching makes a world of difference, especially with regards to range of motion, in addition to the good "vibes" that come from the exercise.

I appreciate your time and input! Keep up putting in the work!!

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Oct 4 8:37am

I can only imagine how being shot would play a part in my psyche and I wonder if you’ve received any mental health treatment in the years since? You don’t say whether or not you have a disability and I wonder how all of this has played out over the years in your head?

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