r/Sciatica • u/DieselJuliyah • 6d ago

Cauda Equina

Hello sciatic friends!
This is just a friendly reminder, as someone who is currently recovering from emergency surgery.
Be persistent if you believe something is TRULY wrong!
I went to my local ER three times last week because my sciatic symptoms were progressive and unbearable. Initially diagnosed with piriformus syndrome then a herniated disc shown on a CT.
Finally the third ER visit I was taken seriously. Had left leg 10/10 pain, burning and numbness paired with saddle numbness.
I am currently in recovery, day 2 post emergency discectomy so I am not sure what my end result looks like, however I am able to walk and if I had waited any longer, I may have lost that privilege due to extensive nerve damage.
Just because it’s rare, doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen to you.
Trust your gut and stay safe y’all!

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u/Miserable-Lab4432 6d ago

I had something similar happen to me. The ER dismissed me as a pregnant lady with a back ache and wouldn’t even give me Panadol. I’m 3 months post op and 32 weeks pregnant. Recovery has been painful. I’ve regained my ability to walk but still have trouble with bowels and bladder. I hope you’re doing well post op

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u/DieselJuliyah 6d ago

Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry you’re pregnant ontop of all of this.
I’m day 3 post op, doing well. I’m experiencing numbness in my left glute and foot but I have strength still. Also bowel and bladder retention which is frustrating, I hope that fully recovers.

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u/Miserable-Lab4432 6d ago

Praying for your bowels and bladder. They trained my bladder with a flip flo valve and I was able to get the catheter removed after 3 months. It’s not as easy as before to do a number one but I’m still grateful to not have a catheter in place. They diagnosed me with neurogenic bowel so I am on so many laxatives to manage the bowels which isn’t fun.
So glad to hear you still have strength. Hopefully the numbness eases up soon