First post - sexual function, bowel bladder issues

[RobertG]

This board has been started to discuss sexual function and bowel/bladder issues.

Please start your own thread (with subject title) and do not add to this message.

Thank you.

[bigwignh]

Jan 2008 I had a tumor removed from inside my spinal cord about 4 inches long, neck area. I have since regained most mobility, meaning I can walk, although it feels akward and I'm certain I would never pass a field sobriety test. I have pain, pain and more pain. I frequently go 2-4 weeks + without any bowel movement, and I've tried everything. At least I don't sh$t my pants anymore. I can't keep an erection, if I manage one. Most days I want to put a .45 in my mouth. The pain in my arm is torturous, now the other arm is getting worse it seems. I'm so depressed I don't know what to do. It seems my life will never be OK again. Yes, I can walk (not run) but that's not enough. Is there help out there? ~J

[lw]

That sounds like the story of my life. I know exactly how you're feeling. I also had a tumour removed from my spinal cord in 2008; only mine was in the thoracic area. I also have regained a significant amount of mobility but am plagued by the discomfort of sensory deficits throughout most of my body. I suffer from severe chest pain that makes it difficult to even breathe or speak sometimes. New symptoms seem to appear all the time and, like you, I just cannot envisage an end to any of this. I thought my constipation was just starting to improve after 18 months but I'm back to living on laxatives again. After my surgery I didn't go for 3 months. People see that you look OK on the outside and they think there's nothing wrong with you; especially if you can walk. And no, walking is not enough, it's the whole load of other health problems (physical and psychological) you get lumbered with.

[tc]

Dear Bigwignh,
My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry that this happened to you. It is easy to get depressed when you are dealing with so much pain. There are doctors who specialize in pain management. Have you been able to see one yet? I hope you are able to get some help. Regarding the bowel issues, have you searched this discussion board? There are so many comments and tips about that. Peilynne had a good post on "Bowel & Bladder Issues" on Jan 10, 2009, about her routine that worked for her. I hope you can find something that helps. Two to four weeks without a bowel movement has to be miserable. Please look for a doctor who can help you with these things.
Praying for you,
Teresa

[Todd]

bigwignh, don't give up trying to get better. the one thing i realized was that there are therapist and alternative medicine people who really know how to help folks like us. the problem is they are not easy to find. keep looking, see docs, see therapists. I agree, quality of life is more important than just about anything else. the NS's job was to take the tumor out, he did that, the rest is up to you. it sucks.

do you take meds for nerve pain?

[Kevin]

Try and be possitive, I can assure you there are people with worse off conditions. You should consult with a pain specialist and take stool softeners with lots of water. You might want to talk with a therapist with respect to the .45, regardless of your quality of life try and enjoy what you have ie;when your handed lemons, make lemonade. I also had a 1.5x1.5x4cm tumour partially excised from T12-L2 area and I am left with lower extremity perathesis along with bladder,bowel and sexual disfunction. I take it one day at a time and do the best I can. I hope your situation improves !!

[coolrush]

Just so you guys know... it sucks for us girls too. :-( I have the sex problem. I have no feeling down there at all. My poor husband went from a good sex life to almost nonexistent. This tumor stuff sucks... Thankfully the bowel problem didn't last but only a few weeks for me. I had the "accident" in the store Christmas shopping. Didn't want to leave the house much after that. Now, I just know when I get the feeling, there is no waiting, no matter where I am. lol I'm so glad I found this website. It's good to read about others and what helps them.

[desertmama174]

Hello all, I had surgery on 7-8-2010 for a tumor inside my spinal cord C-3 C-4. Tumor had to be removed, it was just too big & all 3 NS were surprised that I could even walk much less work a full time job in surgery as a scrub tech.. Well I haven't worked since & at this point I don't expect to.. I don't mind the walker but the neck pain is unbearable & to top it off there is the bladder & severe constipation issues & then there is the the SEX issues. it's been 7 months since surgery & I still have no sensation. Basically I have limited sensation from my waist down but the woman in me misses the physical connection. I'm surprised my boyfriend is still around

[rustylynn]

I too have the same problem ladies... Thought it was just me. I did read on one of these post that another lady had the same problem and her dr. mentioned something about getting a device (vibrator)... to help with getting some of that sensation back. just a thought. I did pretty good once I got home with the bowl thing but now I'm having issues again. I take 2 stool softners each night but I'm still having issues. I know I do not drink enough water so that is prob. it. Massages really help out, even if it is just a foot rub.

[pamb]

Brand new to this forum...Surgery and diagnosis all within the past month so still reeling. Surgery almost two weeks ago and still can't urinate on my own. Have cath and a follow up appt with urologist in 2 weeks. Numbness in the hind quarters. Is this normal? Any hope for normal bladder function? Thanks all