Cauda Equina symptons, Clear MRI

Hi all. I was hoping to get some input and advice...I was recently hospitalised due to lower back pain, numbness in right leg, loss of sensation, pain in right side of right foot, urinary incontinence then retention and leg weakness... After 2 days a cather was inserted which showed 1200cc of urine...I was sent for a mri which showed no compression on the nerves, but did show 2 or 3 disc prolapses in the lower spine (i'm sorry i can't remember the exact place now) and also degeneration....(all the docs and physios say this is arthritis, but the consultation says it isn't!) The ortho docs were not very helpful and basically told me that things would get better over time....my physios have been amazing and I am dutifully doing all my exercises whilst waiting for my outpatients physio appt. It was my physios in the hospital who took the time to explain the mri in laymans terms, all the ortho said was 'no compression, no need for surgery at this time.' I have to use crutches to go long distances as my right leg gives out...I should also mention that 10 years ago I dislocated my SI joint...I am having a lot of pain in this area at the moment. Since leaving hospital I have been urinating alot...and it feels really sensitive...my bladder also does not give me much warning!!! Do any of you have any ideas what has caused all this (i suffered no inital injury..the pain came on overnight) also..i am having problems lifting my right leg....my right hip is very stuck out to the side and very swollen. So many things!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read! x:p

Really we would need to give someone like you a full medical history work-up. Cauda Equina syndrome can of course give continence issues but so can a prostate issue and other things.

If the MRI is clear for any direct nerve root or cord compromise then people need to look else where. Many of you symptoms could be explained from the disc or intervertebral structures themselves albeit for the weakness (if it is true weakness and not just pain provoked weakness or loss of sensation). Seems like you have enough people involved right now so I wouldn't keep shopping. Let us know how you get on and over time perhaps we can add some commentary.

Hi,

I think it is a more pain induced weakness...i get a terrible pain from the SI joint that goes straight down my leg. Although my right leg is nowhere near as strong as my left. I think the docs just looked at the mri for the nerve compression, saw it wasn't there and lost interest. Thats why I'm actually looking forward to my physio as I hope to get some answers.

There is no one involved at the moment as I have no contact with doctors or physios...I am waiting on my Nhs appointment, that is why I came on here.

Could my issues with my Si joint and these prolapsed discs cause all this? Anyone else have similiar issues? Thanks:(

if their is referal pain all the way down to your foot all the symptoms add up to some sort of nerve compression at either L4/L5 or L5/S1 either a herniated disc or degenrative changes at the joints and discs decreasing the lumen compressing the nreve do the anti inflammatorys help? have they suggested steroidal injections? physiotherapy manupilations can help such as distraction and NAGS & SNAGS.....

if i have mentioned something irellavent please feell free to correct me

Hope this helps and keep us updated!!!