Story
In October 2020 I underwent two emergency spine surgeries for a rare but serious type of spinal stenosis, ‘Cauda Equina Syndrome’. CES causes severe compression of the nerves at the base of the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, incontinence and severe pain, requiring emergency surgery to remove compression and reverse symptoms. Unfortunately due to its rarity and a lack of understanding CES is often overlooked or action is not taken quickly enough and patients are left with life long disabilities, paralysis and complications. For me personally my surgery was delayed and I have not regained feeling in my lower legs, still suffer sciatica and pins and needles and must self-catheterise, with long term rehab to regain mobility. To help raise awareness, education and funding to help those affected and prevent delays, I am creating a birthday fundraiser for Cauda Equina Champions Charity, no amount of help is too small.