Walking recovery & walking improvements post surgery

[newbie]

Hi Seniors - Could you please describe your walking recovery & walking improvements post SCT intramedullary surgery over the long term? along with your tumor details and at what level? Thank you.

[funnywalk]

Hi newbie. I was walking three weeks post surgery. My balance was no better but I could at least put my heels down on the ground, before the op I was walking like a duck. The laminectomy gave my spinal cord more space. Three years on I still need a stick/sticks and can't walk as far as I used to. A mile would be the max.

[mateo]

Hi Newbie it took me close to 6 months post op to walk unassisted. It wasnt until the 8 month mark where I felt I could stand and balance for a prolonged period of time. My tumor was intermedullary located at T10-T12.

[Shirley]

Hi Newbie,
I had an intermedullary tumor at C5 to C7 removed 6 months ago. I guess I was one of the lucky ones as they got me up walking with a walker in the hospital. I was given a choice of rehab or home and I opted for home. Instructions were to keep walking. I used the walker for about 4 weeks and then went without it. I was a bit unstable walking but just kept trying. I went to rehab twice a week to work on balance which was very helpful. Currently I am numb from the waist down...can't drive because I cannot feel the pedals. I walk slow and it really tires me out. I have this crazy tightness feeling (like being in a very tight girdle) from the waist down. I do not take any meds as I want to know what is going on with my body. I have to look at my feet when I walk as I do not feel them hitting the ground. My doctor said everyone's recovery is different and that it takes time. Though it seems that not much has changed ...it really has. When I think where I was 3 months ago and now there has been improvement.