My Husband & Cauda Equina

Hello Friends,

I posted a topic about Cauda Equina a week or so ago. I removed that topic because this medical problem is rare and very complicated. This morning I'll start a topic again.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that usually is a surgical emergency. In patients with cauda equina syndrome, something compresses on the spinal nerve roots. You may need fast treatment to prevent lasting damage leading to incontinence and possibly permanent paralysis of the legs.

We saw the neurosurgeon yesterday. The stenosis or narrowing in his L-6 is terrible. There is also a bulge in L-6 and L-5. My husband has to be one of the odd ball people who have that sixth lumbar vertebrae in their spine. So I'm dealing with an uncommon husband? Knew it all the time!

The doctor says there is no therapy for this. Surgery is the only answer and hopefully he will re-gain some positive function in his legs and rid him of the terrible pain from his hips to his toes. This will allow him to work toward getting back his muscle mass and the use of his legs. There is the chance however that if permanent damage has been done to the nerves he may not see any relief at all or worse yet, lose his legs!

His bowel, urinary and his (Boy Toy) dysfunction looks to be in more danger also. All we can do is wait and see?

He will need two more MRI's of his Cervical and Thoracic spine and X-Rays of his lumbar spine. I can't remember exactly what the surgeon said but in one of those two areas is also a link to his bowel, urinary and boy toy problems?

So what it's looking like is metal bars in the L-5 vertebra and removing the bulge and stenosis in L-6. What's north of that is not yet known for sure.

I've been on the phone with the doctors and MRI people. My husband is working with the VA and Veterans Choice people. Lots of things to do with the government but I have to say, "God Bless Them" for the help. For years my husband took care of thousands of people in his medical practice. He talked about the day a young boy here in the cornfields of Michigan had both of his arms ripped from his body with a thrashing machine. Who did the hospital call? My husband! Not only did he help save that boys life he saved that boys arms!

So now he's on the other end of the stick again. He's in good spirits and knows what has to be done. His strength is in his giving and loving character. This will be surgery #46. He had a squamous cancer removed from his left leg two weeks ago. Another eight inch scar and a huge divot! He shook off the pain killer because he knows he cannot have that after the surgery or the surgery coming up.

So, he looks at me and smiles and says the best I can do is maintain a positive attitude. As he has told many doctors in the past, "Physician, Heal Thyself" and everything will be just fine. In other words, if he's not okay with himself he's no good to other people.

My husband would be the last person on earth to ask "Why Me" He says, "Why Not Me?"

Should it be in your hearts give a little, Atta Boy to my husband! If you are a believer a small prayer perhaps? Or just a kind wish that all goes well. He's pushing 70 years old and he's been through so much, From the battles in Vietnam and Cambodia to this day my baby boy is a fighter, a kind man and wonderful person.

Me? I'm scared! I really am! Thank You All For Listening! I know all of you are very special people. A knit and loving group. I don't know how often I'll be around but remember we are here to help and love one another! Even if it's on the opposite end of a keyboard! Go Zity!

I Love You All,

Guinevere, Gwen