Who do I see for bowel issue following Cauda Equina?

[IceCreamYouScreamWeAllScream]

I promise I’m not the poo troll, so won’t go in to detail here.

I recently had surgery for Cauda Equina and am still recovering. I seem to have developed a bowel issue (not numbness so no need to seek immediate help) but I’m not sure who I should speak to about it - which sounds daft I know

I did mention it to my GP nurse who arranged bloods and a FIT test, which came back normal. She said any follow up would be sorted by GP, but as tests were normal I haven’t heard anything. Meanwhile I’m really struggling with the symptoms (trying to be vague as embarrassed but also don’t want to be accused of trolling…) and I just don’t know even how to explain it let alone who to. I know there are urinary nurses, are there bowel nurses as well?

it’s not diarrhoea or constipation.

Is it something like prolapse? There are definitely physios who help specifically with bowel issues - I had a horrendous forceps birth which caused a mild rectocele and had problems for a while with that, including a referral to a pelvic physio. Definitely see your GP and ask for a referral for the specific issue.

Can you go back to the ward you were on when you had the surgery for cauda equina syndrome? I work on a similar orthopaedic ward, and I'm sure they would be happy to help with follow-up queries.

Not a prolapse as far as I can tell @theclangersarecoming but it’s a bit difficult to reach back there so not 100% sure

@SoMuchToBits how do I do that? Do I simply ring the ward and ask to speak to a nurse? A doctor? I have had a telephone follow up call since surgery but not scheduled another follow up for six month.

You can call the ward, and hopefully they will be able to help. If they can't help directly, then hopefully they can send your query forwards to someone who can help.