New Member

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Dear Friends,

Hi. I am happy to finally find a group for TCS people. I am a 32 year old

mother of a two year old and nurse. I was born with spinal bifida which was

repaired at age two. Thankfully, the only major impairment left from S.B. was a

neurogenic bladder and minor kidney damage. I have lived a full and active life

until recently. A few months prior to my surgery I developed lower back pain

and the feeling that I was going to loose bladder control and some weakness to

my right leg. After visiting the neurosurgeon, we agreed surgery to untether my

spinal cord was the best option. On January 16th I had the surgery. It was

much more involved than he planned. I had quite a bit of scarring to my nerves

that fed my lower extremities. He had to " detangle most of my nerves and cut

the scar tissue away " . Finally he was able to detether my cord. After three

weeks in the hospital and rehab, I returned home to my wonderful son and

husband.

I am feel extremely blessed not to be paralyzed. However, I am trying to

learn how to live with the after affects of surgery and TCS. I take Lyrica and

Cymbalta for the neuropathy (numbness) in my feet. And I continue to have

moderate to severe lower back pain. Even months after surgery.... worse than

before surgery. I am having to take Vicodan/Norco for the pain. I hate having

to take pain meds but the pain can be so intense at times. I wanted to know if

others have had this problem. My fear is that I have retethered. I want to

return to my job as a nurse, but it is a physical and demanding job. I am not

sure that my back can handle it.

Is there anyone who has had a similar situation. Every situation is

different but there might be someone with a bit of advice. Thank you to those

who developed this group. I was searching for something like this and finally

found it. Thanks!!!!!

Peace,