How Did You Develop Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Not 100% sure, i,m not even 100% sure where my injury is.one report says L1 and another says L3 L4 ?????????

Hi DJ,I have finally found my discharge summary from my Rehab centre: Principal Diagnosis is L1 ASIA A Paraplegia 2 severe spinal canal stenosis  at L2/3 from disc protrusion. That is all I can tell you, no one has ever explained it to me so I really can't tell you any more.
here is some of my admission notes: John had a week history of low back pain where he presented to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) on 14 November 2012 he was sent home and only to represent back to ASH a few days latter with lower limb weakness and doubly incontinence. The MRI spine showed severe spinal canal stenosis at L2 and L3 secondary to disc protrusion. He also had significant stenosis at L3/3 and L4/5.
John underwent L2/3 discectomy and decompression surgery on 16/11/12. A repeat CT scan of the spine showed satisfactory alignment of the spine and relief of the spinal cord from impingement by the protruded disc.
John was classified as L1 ASIA A (complete) paraplegia when he first arrived at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre.

So thats it, it means nothing to me as it has never been explained to me

Butiki, thanks for answering! It looks like that is the initial diagnosis of your injury (L1 ASIA A). I'm assuming they didn't tell you an updated diagnosis when you left? Do you have any movement or sensation below your injury?

Butiki, since you're still early into your injury you still have lots of time for improvement. Based on what you've told me so far, your classification of L1 ASIA A has changed.



If you look at this chart, based on the fact that you have no movement below your knees and have some sensation all the way, you are an L3/4 ASIA B.

Hello kisch5 
Firstly, im so glad you found us but sorry that you have had to go through this.

All our members will know exactly how you are feeling, including myself and DJ, we have all been in the place you are right now.

Its a confusing and frightening time for sure but we will do our best to make this an easier time for you and also help you to feel a little better about everything that is happening.

The important thing for you to know is that your not alone with this and you will make improvements and get stronger. At this point your body needs to heal, you need to rest and get our strength back.

Once the inflammation has settled, your body will start to heal and nerves will re generate but nerve regeneration is a very slow process..improvements will be so gradual that you may not even notice them...but they will be happening.

Everyones progress will be varied and different and depends on so many factors such as level of nerve damage and time of surgery after the initial onset of symptoms.

Are you still in a hospital?

take care
lara

Thank you Lara and DJ. I was out of the hospital the day after surgery. I have been going to PT every week and went back to work three days ago (which is difficult on my heels mostly so far) with restrictions. I am hoping it all gets easier as I go. Again, thanks Lara and DJ, I appreciate you taking your time to respond . I hope everyone is feeling well today!