Originally Posted by Aussie99

I don't know you but I will be praying for you on Wednesday. You have to put your trust in your neuro-surgeon and believe that your surgery will be a success. I too had spinal surgery 2 years ago. I had lost feeling in my left leg from knee down, it went ice cold. Then total motor control of foot. I was told that I was dragging my foot before surgery.

I have made an 85-90 percent recovery. I walk normally and wear normal foot wear. It took almost 16 months to fully recover though. My suspicion is that when the tumour is removed and swelling goes down you will have both return of feeling and motor function. It may take a bit of time to regain full function though as the body heals slower the older we are. But the body has an amazing way of healing itself given the right circumstances. I really wish you the best of luck.

Aussie

Originally Posted by superstar

Hi Aussie,

Thank you so much for those words of comfort, it makes me feel better about things and I know I have to be positive etc. and I will be. They did say there is a 5% chance of paralysis which is really quite low in the grand scheme of things. I can't wait for Wednesday because I can feel things are getting very slowly worse daily.

I will update when I can and thanks for replying. It is heartening to know that you still got improvement after such a long time so that gives me hope if things are not very good early on. I am 63 and know what you mean about the aging thing LOL.

Originally Posted by mrsD

If the compression is outside the cord, you have more chance of recovery. The CNS itself is thought to not regenerate. But many nerves can be compressed as they leave the cord and become the peripheral system. These have the ability to heal.

I'll be thinking of and rooting for you and your surgery.
Fish oil (a source of Omega-3) and the methylation vitamins,
methylcobalamin, methylfolate and activated (P5P) pyridoxine, are the helpers with nerve repair. They are the major ones.
Vit C and antioxidants are also helpful. Choline also is useful for repairing cell membranes.

You can add any others you choose as well. After any surgery zinc (in moderation) and good sources of protein will aid in tissue repair as well.

Originally Posted by Aussie99

Matey they made me sign a paper that read that there was a risk of death and paralysis. I said "paralysis... I can't even feel my leg!" Anyways they are just trying to disclaim of worst case scenario. I went into my surgery believing that I would walk again and I did. To be honest, even though 2 years have past, I am still healing. Try to be calm and tell yourself this surgery will have a fantastic outcome. It's well known here in Oz that you guys have some of the best neuro-surgeons in the world. I am sure you are in the best of hands. Please relax and only think positive thoughts. Whenever you get a chance please update us. (no rush)i Again,best of luck matey.

Aussie