Cauda equina syndrome (CES)
2011 I started with pain down my legs I could hardly walk it was so painful. After the MRI didn't come out well at a clinic I went to the hospital suicidal saying I'd rather die than live like that another day. They did MRI and found I had L5S1 slipped disk. They admitted me for pain management and started me on pain meds. I was relived finally I knew what was wrong and had meds to help the pain. Found a pain clinic and my first injection was wonderful took the shooting leg pain away. I tried a couple more with little success then the last on he knick something which caused a large hematoma. So very painful. Swore I'd never do it again. Last nov I turned from the sink heard a pop and instant pain I thought it was like other times where some prednisone would do the trick. It got worse I started loosing feeling below and pee just poured out when I stood. I went right to ER. The surgery they said I could not have because of weight was finally being done. 5 months later I still have tons of nerve type pain and I have a foley cuz I have Cauda equina syndrome (CES).
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Tom Jesson is a physiotherapist who has dedicated his career to studying sciatica and CES. He teaches clinicians about both. His writing is easy to understand. Googling his name will provide links to his research, articles and interviews. I subscribe to his email newsletter and it has helped me learn about my relentless sciatica.
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1 ReactionCAUDA EQUINA HAS DESTROYED THE MUSCLES in my legs. I am now wheelchair bound and cannot drive or walk or stand
I am 84. Less than a year ago I was walking, driving my car. In Feb I experienced severe pain, in May I had to use a wheelchair. Many tests, no treatment.
At my last visit to our Pain Clinic I was given the name of the book: THE WAY OUT, by Dr. Alan Gordon. Seems like that is the best they can do. Interestingly, it is a good book.
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1 ReactionA doctor at the Pain Clinic tentatively thought I may have CAUDA EQUINA. My former surgeon and staff at the Spine Clinic went ballistic. They told me that I had never heard the term CAUDA spoken by clinic doctor, in spite of the fact that I had her spelling the term on the back of her business card. This was followed by harangues ascribing all symptoms of CAUDA EQUINA to Neropathy. I have been had.,
How do I get a diagnosis from Mayo Clinic.
@gemini1505, If you would like get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, you can find the contact information for the Minnesota, Arizona and Florida campuses here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
Has anyone experienced cauda equine surgery or symptoms.
Hi @jwm61, I moved your question about cauda equina symptoms and surgery to this existing discussion:
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: Pain, symptoms, management & prognosis
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cauda-equina/
I did this so that you can join the discussion, read previous posts and connect easily with members like @debicottle @jenniferhunter @angelicscripts @debkl @jenatsky and many others.
What symptoms are you experiencing? Are you considering surgery?
I’m sorry to hear this. I was told that cauda equine is an emergency surgery and that should be dealt with within 24 hours. I can’t believe that yours is dismissed. My doctor warned me that is my stenosis which was causing leg numbness persisted it could progress to cauda equine and that I should have surgery with la year to prevent the progression. I hope you get immediate help!
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1 ReactionThanks for your comments: I am in the process of trying to determine if my condition (particularly the incontinence) is Cauda Equina or maybe the Pudendal Nerve. If you have any suggestions regarding your experience in trying to determine which one may apply to my condition. I had a neurosurgeon operate on me several months ago. My incontinence seemed to start then, although I am not sure it is time framed with that operation. I am now working with an anesthesiologist for the pain and incontinence. My primary doctor sugested that I should be working with a neurosurgeon. Could you comment on my primary physicians suggestion?