Colette
Message 1 of 1
Talk about losing faith in the medical profession. I woke up one morning in sept. 00 with severe back pain, barely able to move or walk. I visited a chiropractor I had been to a couple of times and was told I tore a lower disc and would need bed rest for two to three weeks in order for it to heal. Being that I am young (32 years old)and in top physical shape, I had a couple of things going for me (so I thought). After two weeks of chiropractic manipulations I found myself in the hospital, numb from the waist down, unable to walk and also suffering from bowel and bladder incontinence. I presented these symptoms within a few hours of admittance, yet it was five days before I saw a specilist who diagnosed cauda equina syndrome, and another day before I had a milogram and surgery. It is now eight months later, I have permanently lost the use of my bladder and bowel, I am still unable to feel the saddle region, perineal area, the whole back of my left leg and most of the left foot. I also do not feel the back of the right leg starting around the tailbone area going down to the back of my knee and a small strip of my right foot.The worst part of it all is that it all could have been avoided. There are guidelines against chiropractic manipulation when there is lower back pain and leg pain which usually indicates nerve root involvement.Also the symptoms that I presented to the hospital are considered red flags which should have resulted in my being evaluated by a specialist much much sooner. My advice to anyone who finds themselves suffering from these types of symptoms is to insist upon immediate action. Do not trust that the medical profession will automatically give you the care you deserve. If they refuse do what is necessary to have yourself transported to a hospital that will . If there is anyone out there with a similar situation I would love to hear from you.