Spina Bifida Occulta

[jessicaandrebeccasmummy]

Anyone know about this?!

Just back from a doctors appointment and they are refering Jessica to the hospital for tests.

I am worried- of course I am, so someone PLEASE help me!

bump

I have this condition. I have a dimple in my back and a small tuft of hair. Basically there is a small probably with one of the bones in my spine. I have never really known what it was called before and it only really came to light when I had my 2nd c-section 3 years ago. The epidural was put in the bone and caused me problems but dh has a note about where any future injections in my back have to be placed (in case I was ever in an accident/had an injury etc and needed emergency surgery). Apart from this, I have lived with it for nearly 39 years now without any problems. Try not to worry, hard I know but it is a liveable condition without the need for medication etc.

*probably = problem

Must preview

"Two studies undertaken in Great Britain in the mid 1980s suggest that 22% or 23% of people have spina bifida occulta. Even though there is a very slightly increased chance of a slipped disc, very few people with spina bifida occulta will ever have any problems because of it. If a person has no symptoms from spina bifida occulta as a child, then it is unlikely that they will have any as an adult.
Most people will not even be aware that they have spina bifida occulta unless it shows up on an X-ray which they have for some unrelated reason. It is usually just a small part of one vertebra low in the back which is missing"

Just googled it. Above taken from

here

readthis

THank you fimbo - Jessica has a "hole" in the very top of her bum cheeks. It wasnt until she had started to cry in pain and point to her bum that we noticed it because you have to literally part her bum cheeks to see it.

Docs are reffering her so probably wont get seen for a few months yet, but was quite scared because she isnt the best walker (just turned 2) and is fairly clumsy.

Thank you the rest of you - i guess I will just have to hope it is ok and she is fine.

Read as much as you can from the Internet - it does help put your mind at rest. After I had my ds I was referred to a "back" doctor. She has photographed my back and is using it in case studies for students, so there is a greater awareness of Spina Bifida Occulta when giving epidurals to pregnant women with the condition as the epidural has to go higher up the spine than normal. Good luck I am sure everything will be fine, as I say I have lived with the condition for 38 years, without really much knowledge of it.

Thanks Fimbo.... i am feeling better already. THANK YOU.

I will read read and read some more - its poor DH who is worrying like mad still but will sit him down with some reading material!!