Tethered spinal cord after chiari decompression

[BB11]

.  I had decompression w duraplasty and laminectomy Jan '12.  after my surgery I began experiencing a lot of back pain. Still have headaches and the numbness 2 days/week. An MRI was ordered of my spine and was just told i now have a tethered spinal cord at L1. Surgery is recommended. However, i'm not really sure i want to go thru with another surgery. I have some incontinence issues as well. Was told yrs ago after hysterectomy i needed bladder suspension so i figured it was from that. However i have had a handful of times with bowel incontinence (not quite making it to the bathroom in time. My surgeon said she thinks blood from my decompression ran down my spinal cord causing the tethered cord  My question is how common is this? Does anyone else have similar experience?  Im also looking for some important questions to ask my surgeon before i decide if i should go ahead with it  The thought of another surgery depresses me and im concerned about the risks which she said are spinal leak, nerve damage or not getting better. As a side note,  Its interesting to hear so many say not to see a chiropractor after chiari decompression (both here and elsewhere)  I specifically asked my NS if i could and she said i could.  At my follow up after my mri , my surgeon said there is plenty of room now since she removed the tonsils and she's not worried about me seeing a chiro.  Still hesitant. I do have EDS and constantly feel the need to crack my joints. My husband wants me to just get the surgery. He just wants me better. The last 2 yrs have flipped our life upside down. My chiari was discovered after i knocked myself out with a car door. Apologize for rambling but this is overwhelming for me. Any advice or suggestions (selma?  I see your comments a lot. Would love to hear from you).

[BB11]

Thank you.

[selmaS]

  I am sending prayers ur way for both u and ur DH stress levels and for his health.

Molly is in a lot of pain, she always is post op, as most meds do not help her....there is some good news and I will post that on the prayer thread for her.

((hugs))

[BB11]

Hi friend

Dr sent us home last night after stress test came back "good per se, however did show some valvular issue that we believe has nothing to with your pain".  Demanded to speak to cardiologist. One person there was a lil full of herself. Cardiologist said we could stay in hosp til mon and he will do heart cath then or we can come home and call on monday to schedule heart cath. We came home as dr felt he was safe to. I am "numb" headaches n bad back pain today. :( pain woke DH up at 330 am. Pls say some prayers for him. Our stress levels are crazy high.

Hopefully there is great news on Molly. Would love to hear something happy and good to get outta myself n my situation  My physical/emotional self wants to pull me down but the stubborn leo in me wants to fight and look toward the light.

Hugs

[selmaS]

Thanks for the update....glad he is getting good care, it is not always the case in some hospitals...so I am glad he is in a good one.

Hope u r resting up....

I had a very good day,. fribbling was a little slow today....: (

[BB11]

Thank you. They're keeping him overnight. Tmrw he'll have an echo and stress test. If all is good with that they may just do a heart cath as he has extensive family history with "widowmakers" - young n old. Also doing a complete neurological work up bc hes having slurred speech, really bad dizziness n blurred vision.  The care he's getting here is outstanding. Different hospital than we usually go to.   Hope your enjoying your friday n  "fribbling"

[selmaS]

  I posted on the prayer thread that they were behind schedule and not in the OR yet, I have not heard nething lately,...I guess I will have to txt her mom again and ask.....

SO they r going to keep him....I pray he is alright.

Same with u, oh I know chairs in waiting rooms r the worst.