I have been noticing more sensation in my numb areas. They call it saddle anesthesia. I've been feeling more and more in my inner thighs! That is amazing. I don't think I'll ever have all the sensation back, but it's a vast improvement from May 2011 when all of this began. It just goes to show you that there is never a reason to give up hope.
While this regained sensation is great, I still have other issues. I still have issues with incontinence. I have a combination of reasons for this. First I have weak pelvic muscles from having three kids and being overweight and on top of that add the weakness from the Cauda Equina and it's not pretty. I'm usually fine, but on occasion I do still have problems when I stand up and haven't been in a long time. If I cough or laugh too hard, there is definitely a problem then. It is however, better than it was in 2011 when I would leak just from walking around normally. The bladder surgery (lift) was a success, but because I do have the weak muscles, will likely fall again. We'll see.
As for bowels, it has been a year since I had any incontinence in that area. It's the opposite these days. I don't know if I'll ever get that to normal. I do seem to be able to notice when I need to go more than I used to.
I can walk really well now. I can do the stairs. I cannot run though. But that is fine. I've been extremely lazy and have gained 20 or so pounds since moving here to Sicily, but I'm hoping to get rid of that before we move back stateside.
I can say that daily I'm reminded that I'm not normal physically, but I am still me. I am improving and I'm okay.
