Post by avah1969 on Oct 27, 2017 13:48:06 GMT -8
Hi all
As you are probably aware from my previous thread, I was diagnosed with CES in July 2017. I made a complaint to my local health board as I felt this could have been avoided given that I presented to A&E the same day I felt the pop in my spine. They have responded admitting no liability for my now permanent symptoms. Upon my first presentation to A&E, I complained of sudden lower back pain, leg weakness, loss of mobility/coordination and urinary incontinence with reduced sensation. They have stated in their response to my complaint that these symptoms are not consistent with CES and that the fact I was still able to pass urine at that point (albeit, slowly and after excessive straining) meant that it was perfectly reasonable for them to rule out CES.
Upon the second presentation to A&E, I complained of lower back pain, worsening mobility, weakness in the lower limbs when trying to stand, sciatica, loss of full bladder sensation, urinary retention with difficulty voiding and reduced reflexes in my left leg. Again they have said that, in spite of these symptoms, the fact I was able to pass urine (eventually) and had normal anal tone/sensation was reassuring and allowed them to rule out cauda equina as a diagnosis.
Following surgery some months ago, I have been tested in Urology and been informed that I retain urine and my flow is inconsistent with evidence of straining and leakage. They have informed me that I will likely have to self catheterise going forward.
Can anyone tell me why they would dismiss all of the above mentioned symptoms, when every article I've read lists them all as 'red flag symptoms' of CES. Is it the case that any one symptom MUST be present in order for CES to be diagnosed of even suspected?
