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Question:
Hi, where can I find articles and information about Cauda equina syndrome? I'm a 34 year old healthy and active female two years post op after emergency lumbar laminectomy w/o fusion and a partial disctomy @ L5 S1 due to cauda equina syndrome (CES) and degenerative disc disease. One week before surgery, I had complete numbness and sensory loss from my hips to my feet on both sides of my body. Today, I have CES and perianal/perineal sensory loss beginning below my incision, extending behind my left knee. I have no bowel or bladder nerve damage, however, I do suffer from genital sexual sensory loss. I'm entering in to my first sexual relationship in 2 years and want to share infromation about my problem with my partner. Can you help?

Answer:
by Annette Owens: (06/27/2004)
Thank you for your question. In order to know whether you can expect to regain any of your genital sensation you need to talk to your neurologist about your specific situation.

You can find much information about cauda equina syndrome on-line by performing a simple search. One website to start with is http://www.cauda-equina.org (see link on the right) but there are many others. I would start there for information for you and your partner.

Also, see Dr. Tepper's publication "Lived Experiences that Impede or Facilitate Pleasure and Orgasm in People with Spinal Cord Injury" (See the section on the 'Process of Sexual Self-discovery after Spinal Cord Injury' on page 178). This publication can be accessed from his page http://www.sexualhealth.com/experts/viewexpert.cfm?ID=25 (link on right). You may request the password to read his publication by contacting Dr. Tepper directly either through his link on his page or through the contact us function on our site.

All the best, Annette Owens, MD PhD

Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team

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