I had neuropathy and recently found out it is due to a tumour intradural extramedullary at T3 about the size of a grape which is large for the area and looks from mri like it is blocking 3/4 of the spinal cord.

Before I knew this I was taking all the supplements that Mrs. D. recommended (thanks) but with no relief, probably because now I know what I have I realise it may not have helped. I am having surgery Wednesday and am told that there is no way of knowing how much if any improvement I will get after. He is not yet sure if it is touching spinal cord itself. My walking is very off balance and I have numbness from toes to bra line. I can put up with the numbness if I have to but would dearly love to be able to get my mobility back to normal.

My question is would all these same supplements help/improve the nerves after spinal cord compression? Does anyone have any idea what is the timeline for recovery from something like this, obviously I will be asking surgeon but it is something I forgot to ask at the time. For example is the 3 month/6 month time as good as it is ever going to get or is there still improvement after a longer period?

Thanks for any help with this.

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

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.

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

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.

Thanks for that Mrs. D, I am not sure if the compression is outside the cord or not but will definately be asking that question on Wednesday, I certainly hope so. I am on steroids at the moment up until surgery and not sure about after so thought it best to stop any supplements to be on the safe side but will start again after taking to the doctor about when to start them.

I appreciate your input as always, you are an absolute asset to all of us here that are relatively new and I thank you for that.

Hi Superstar,

Wishing you a super successful surgical outcome. The thoracic region of spine is a bit more difficult than the cervical or lumbar due to the ribs being in the way in most cases. You will definitely be in our thoughts. As soon as you are able, please let us know how you are doing post-op. Maybe you could have a friend or family member drop us a line.

I am glad you have an answer for what is causing your symptoms but so very sorry to hear that you are in need of surgery. Sure hope you have a speedy recovery. Wishing you the very best.

Hi,

The neuro surgeon that I have actually did a fellowship in neuro-orthopaedic spinal surgery in Adelaide for a year and I do feel confident in him and am thinking positive thoughts. Will update when I can.

Thank you all, it means a lot to me.

good luck today! get well quickly.