Worried about Re-tethering of spinal cord

[LittleOne44]

Thank you for taking my question.

I have spinal bifida occult with tethering and lipoma which was just found in Jan 2005. I had surgery Feb 05 to untether the cord. And only part of the lipoma was removed due to nerves being inside the tumor. I had EMG that showed nerve damage to my ankles, calves, and knees.
I have all the symptoms that I had before and bladder issues. I thought surgery was supposed to help with the pains in my legs? The tendons in my ankles,feet hurt as soon as I put my feet on the floor in the morning. It gets really bad anytime I am active. (walking,gardening..etc.)

My question is does it sound like am rethering? And could the lipoma be growing and causing these symptoms.

Thank you,
Christie

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

The goal of surgery in these circumstances will prevent any further damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. Unfortunately any damage that has occurred up to that point is not gauranteed to reverse - the nerves just have to try and heal themselves over time, usually months - after about 1 year the maximum recovery can be judged. An EMG can give an idea about prognosis and the chances of recovery.

It is unlikely that the cord is retethering or that teh lipoma has grown larger. A lipoma is a benign tumor that has probably been there for a long time.

Other ways to reduce your pain and spasticit should be pursued in the meantime like exercise and physical therapy, judicious use of antispasmodic medications like baclofen, and bladder management

Good luck

[LittleOne44]

I forgot to add the lipoma is through L3-S3. Before surgery the doctor as found bulging of L3-S1.