Numbness below the belt - treatment for?

[PGC]

Hi All,

This past April 28th, I had surgery to remove a schwannoma intraductal tumor and had a laminectomy at the t10-t12.  For 6 months prior  I was in lots of pain and suffered from lots of swelling and numbness in my legs to the degree that I almost couldn't walk before surgery.

Now two months later, I'm going back to work and am walking with a cane - my surgeon has stated no "bending, lifting (over 10 pds) or twisting"  until July 23rd of thereabouts.

I still have some numbness (not as much as right after surgery and certainly as much as before), some swelling mostly in the feet later in the day and some spasmodic reaction (my legs will involuntarily stretch - not painful, it actually feels good - but looks odd and is awkward at times) when I stand up.

In addition to walking a lot (maybe too much? I walked almost two miles the other days aided by a cane) and doing upper body weight lifting (no more than 10 pounds, remember?) and lower body PT (lots of different exercise) I have been pursuing massages (every two weeks), sauna, acupuncture and vitamin B complex - all in a effort to help stimulate regeneration of my nerves.  The other night I tried a Feldenkrais Method class and will like add this to my regime.

I would like to hear about other folks experiences with these "alterative therapies" particularly as they apply to nerve regeneration.  My surgeon and GP have stated that I need to be patient in that full recovery (or rather then of full recovery) can take up tot a year.  I just don't want to be 9 months down the road and find that I could have been doing something to benefit my recovery.

hanks,

Peter

[Fresno]

I had surgery on 7/1/15 to remove what turned out to be a grade 2 WHO ependymoma from t1-t3 inside my spinal cord. I had no real symptoms pre op other than occasional back pain. Now I my right side from the chest down is numb and about 25% of my left leg is numb. Both feet numb along with butt and front. My surgeon is certain it will all come back. I'm able to walk with a Walker and unassisted, although awkwardly slow. Have you noticed any improvement in your sensation since surgery and if so, how much?

[samuridude]

Fresno, I live in Clovis. Become a member and PM me. I think I can help you.

[busroc]

Fresno if your still around the forum I would love to speak to you.
I have the exact same injury and was wondering if you would share your post op feelings now.

Thanks