Recover from spinal cord tumor removal

[taunte]

I am having a 6mm tumor inside my spinal cord removed in 2 weeks. I can't find anything on what to expect post op. My Dr. Just said sore, but up and moving within a few days. But in real time, what can I expect. When can I drive, work, walk. The tumor is located T9 to T11

[steveo]

I am 1 year out from spinal cord surgery at T12. Feet still numb, 24 month recovery per my doctor. I drove 2 weeks after surgery. Got into PT quickly. Frustrated, but making progress. Significant nerve pain in feet.

[Nan]

I had meningioma surgery at the T5-T6 level two and a half months ago. My surgery was not elective because my spinal cord was 90% compressed from the tumor. Before that time, I'd endured several months of excruciating pain in my legs and was barely able to walk even with a walker. I actually fell and broke my ankle because my balance was so bad. In the weeks before my surgery I also developed abdominal tightness that made my life entirely miserable. I took several medications for the pain, but none of them helped. Like many of you, it took quite a while to be diagnosed correctly.

I'm leaving this post mainly as an encouragement, as my recovery has gone very well. After surgery, for about a month, I had burning pain in my legs that was- surprisingly- somewhat relieved by pointing a fan at them as I lay on the sofa.
The abdominal tightness persisted for about two months but has now gone away completely. As far as my mobility, I have been going to physical therapy and that has been very helpful. The first month after surgery, I needed a walker. The second month I needed a cane, and at this point I am walking independently again. My balance is good -but not perfect and I'm working on that at physical therapy. I have very minor pain in my feel and knees if I walk for a long time--but,at age 61, I might have that anyway! I couldn't be happier with the results on my surgery and hope and pray that many of you reading this will have the same results from your surgery!