TKR What did I get myself into?

[WillB]

MRI results! For those following my recovery and the spasming I’ve been experiencing as of about 7 weeks ago my MRI was this morning. The radiologist got back to my OS office within 2 hours. Apparently there’s a very good likelihood I’ve developed Cauda Equina Syndrome either the result of surgery or having awakened spinal compression which was lying dormant. If it’s CES, the only option is back surgery. And it will need to happen sooner than later. Working on a referal to a spine specialist here in Yuma AZ…on a good note, my knee at 15 weeks is feeling very strong though still a bit swollen and stiff!

 

[Layla]

I am so sorry, Will!
I've never heard of this condition although I will add it sounds like a horse malady with the Equina....right?
The good news is your knee appears well. I am sorry you may be facing back surgery. Please keep us in the loop after your visit with the spine specialist. We're here for you always! Off to do an online search on CES.
@WillB

 

[Layla]

Well, I learned how it got its name.
The collection of nerves at the end of the spinal cord is known as the cauda equina, due to its resemblance to a horse's tail.

I found one article written by BoneSmart's Nurse Emeritus, Josephine, dated 2016 where CES is mentioned.
Here is a link CES

 

[CricketHip]

I’m so glad that you persisted with getting to the bottom of what was going on.
That’s a big diagnosis and yes the sooner the better. Yikes!
Well, you know all about recovery and know you will do well with it.
Please keep us updated?

 

[WillB]

I am so sorry, Will!
I've never heard of this condition although I will add it sounds like a horse malady with the Equina....right?
The good news is your knee appears well. I am sorry you may be facing back surgery. Please keep us in the loop after your visit with the spine specialist. We're here for you always! Off to do an online search on CES.
@WillB

CES and LSS (lumbar spinal stenoses) are very similar but an MRI will clearly show CES. The OS office says that its possible the damage may have come from the very unusual positioning of the leg prior to the proceedure. LSS is a narrowing of the spinal canal but without actual radical impingement of the nerve. Should get a better picture after consulting with the spine specialist. Stay tuned!

 

[EalingGran]

I’ve developed Cauda Equina Syndrome either the result of surgery or having awakened spinal compression which was lying dormant. If it’s CES, the only option is back surgery.

So sorry to hear this but good it has been diagnosed and will be dealt with.
Did you have a spinal/ epidural anaesthetic or have back problems previously?

 

[WillB]

I’ve developed Cauda Equina Syndrome either the result of surgery or having awakened spinal compression which was lying dormant. If it’s CES, the only option is back surgery.

So sorry to hear this but good it has been diagnosed and will be dealt with.
Did you have a spinal/ epidural anaesthetic or have back problems previously?

No precious back problems. Had a nerve block into my thigh and then a general.

 

[WillB]

At 17 weeks I’m actually going to try and go bowling this Thursday. Our community has a bowling day once a month and I was certainly unable to bowl prior to my LTKR…I think my knee is actually strong enough to try…still a bit stiff and swollen but structurally feels good. Still awaiting appt with spine specialist on account of severe stenosis of L3 L4 L5 a d S1…

 

[FourCats]

@WillB at 17 weeks you should still qualify to use bumpers!!

 

[WillB]

@WillB at 17 weeks you should still qualify to use bumpers!

Did not go as I’m having a significant nerve issue and leg does not feel stable enough

 

[WillB]

I am so sorry, Will!
I've never heard of this condition although I will add it sounds like a horse malady with the Equina....right?
The good news is your knee appears well. I am sorry you may be facing back surgery. Please keep us in the loop after your visit with the spine specialist. We're here for you always! Off to do an online search on CES.
@WillB

CES and LSS (lumbar spinal stenoses) are very similar but an MRI will clearly show CES. The OS office says that its possible the damage may have come from the very unusual positioning of the leg prior to the proceedure. LSS is a narrowing of the spinal canal but without actual radical impingement of the nerve. Should get a better picture after consulting with the spine specialist. Stay tuned!

Pretty depressed right now as I can’t get in to see a spine specialist until Aug 3rd. Leg is gradually becoming more unstable. Unable to walk a straight line. Cancelled bowling. Not sure I can play pickleball as I don’t want my leg to give out resulting in a fall. Also some pain developing within the knee for first time in weeks!

 

[WillB]

@WillB at 17 weeks you should still qualify to use bumpers!

Did not go as I’m having a significant nerve issue and leg does not feel stable enough

Bummed my spine issue is affecting my TKR recovery! Here’s a pic of my badly compressed nerve! Haven’t a clue as to how it happened!

 

[Layla]

Pretty depressed right now as I can’t get in to see a spine specialist until Aug 3rd.

Well that is very discouraging, Will. I am so sorry.
Are you able to get a referral or recommendation to see another spine specialist?

 

[EalingGran]

So sorry to hear of your troubles and that you can't see a spinal specialist until August. It is a real shame if it is also affecting your knee recovery. I agree with Layla that you might want to try to get a different and earlier appointment.
I also have lumbar arthritis and spinal stenosis but thankfully not cauda equina syndrome. I am doing regular back exercises to try to build up my strength.
Could you get some advice from your doctor about what exercises are safe for your back? My pilates teacher has a free lower back pilates session ( Google Katja pilates lower back) which is excellent- but check out what us safe for you first.

 

[Jammy]

Will, I'm sorry to hear this news. You had been doing so well. Please try to get an earlier appointment. I know it's not easy but I would ask them to put you on a "wait list" in case someone cancels. You should stress that you need to see the specialist soon, and when doing this, be really nice to the scheduler. Or, yes, see if there is another specialist that you can see sooner.

In my opinion, I would forgo playing pickleball at this time, Will. Signed, Dr. Jammy.

 

[Jaycey]

@WillB Just catching up with your thread. As you can see in my signature I had spinal decompression for several trapped nerves including the sciatic nerve. Looking at your MRI I imagine you will have something similar. The good news is as soon as that nerve is released the symptoms are gone.

Sorry your wait to see a specialist is so long! At least it's measured in months unlike here in the UK.