How Did You Develop Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Stacey, I have never heard this, but that doesn't mean it's not true! I know of a few people who had this from the time they were children or teens. I wonder....

I had back pain from a very young age, or I remember my neck being stiff.  It would not surprise me to hear that there is a congenital defect in some that will lead to degenerative disc disease or further disorders of the spine.

5 years ago had two levels fused in my lower back the L4-S1 area. Woke up paralyzed from the waist down. I was hysterical and the surgeon suggested going in to remove the hardware, but he did not tell me the ramifications if he didn't do so. In fact, I wasn't told until I was discharged almost 8 weeks later what the diagnosis was. For 10 days after the surgery, was on high dose steroids and having MRIs every day for a week. Then did 6 weeks of inpatient rehab and learned to walk again. Have severe drop foot on my right foot - have to use brace and cane in order to walk. The left leg is good,although the past few months, seem to be losing nerve function. My bowel and bladder are fine - thank goodness, but do have some saddle numbness. I have a lot of pain in my lower right back if I have to walk any distance. The irony is that I was being proactive - spinal stenosis and lots of bone spurs would have put me in a wheelchair eventually. So, at 58, decided let's get it done so that I can avoid the wheelchair. Well, the joke was on me!! 4 weeks ago slipped on some water in the house. End result is that I fractured the back part of my pelvis. Rare injury and although I am getting mobile, sitting hurts. Also experiencing neurogenic atrophy in my right buttock.

In 2005 had disc surgery and in 2007 2 levels in my neck fused - inherited lousy genes from my mother who had back issues all her life. My brother has neck and back issues as well.