Loss of sensation in buttocks area

[KatieD]

Hi all

I just had a Tumour removed from t12-t3. I am now 7 days post op and have very little pain and back home. I can walk almost normally, but I am very aware of my surroundings and taking it very easy.

I have no issues with feet or leg power but my whole buttocks area has a very different altered sensation. It feels like I've been sitting on a horse for days. I thought it would go away after a day of getting out of bed (3 days after surgery) but it hasn't. I can control the passing of urine and bowels and I know when I need to go but the feeling of going is very different. When my bowels move I cannot tell when I'm 'done'.

The surgeon suspected it was just nerve 'swelling' that will repair and he was only really concerned if I was incontinent or had pain which is neither.

Has anyone experienced this post surgery and also did the sensation come back gradually?

Thanks

[mateo]

Hi KatieD,

Yes, these symptoms in the buttocks area seems quite common. I had a severe case of numbness in the tailbone area. When I would sit down on the bench my rear end felt heavy and numb. It should get much better. I am almost 2 years post op and do notice i still have some abnormal sensation in the area but its nothing compared to where I was right after surgery. The nerves need time to settle, It may take several months to notice significant changes but I notice my bowels got better after about 4-6 weeks and continued to get better over time. Consider your in great shape compared to many others. Being able to walk as well as you are now is excellent. It took me 6 months to walk without any assistance and another 6 months to improve my gait and walk normal. If you have concerns write them down and talk to your neurosurgeon/neurologist. I rememeber constantly having questions at the beginning of your recovery.

I will you all the best in your recovery!