Can caudal equina be missed?

[HerRoyalHappiness]

Random I know but in Saturday I ended up in A and E as I had incontinence and numbness and severe back pain, more severe than usual (I have arthritis, EDS and fibro)
they eventually gave me an MRI which they said was a herniated disc, and that the symptoms were due to that.
They also gave me a bladder scan and realised my bladder, although trickling constantly, was retaining water. 700ml of water. So they inserted a catheter. Then they left me for hours in agony, then decided to send me home with the catheter, and a follow up with neurology at some point and then a Trial Without Catheter Clinic after that to see if I can control my bladder.
I haven't done a bowel movement since Saturday and not only is my saddle area completely numb (I couldn't squeeze her finger when it was up my bum, I thought I was but it wasn't happening) so is a patch on my right leg and the rest of the leg feels dull when touched. Like I can feel the touch but not as strongly as I would usually.
What is wrong with me? Could it be misdiagnosed cauda equina? Could it be simply the herniated disc is pressing on some nerves (although it's herniated to the left and it's the right leg affected) or is it something entirely different?
I phoned today to chase up my neuro appointment and they told me to phone back next week, so I'm stuck in limbo until then basically as I don't know what to do or how I get better.

Hopefully bump

I would be inclined to go back to A and E and ask them to check you over again. That doesn't sound right to me.

I phoned them today and they said to wait for neuro. I don't fancy another 20 hour wait in A and E to he honest. But if my symptoms change I'll go back.

You need to go back to A&E, it's unlikely it was missed but the symptoms are suspicious.

Hmph

I.dont fancy going back lol.

I. Know I should though.

Go back. If it’s missed caudal equina you are risking paralysis. I can’t believe they’ve sent you home with those symptoms you are literally a walking red flag of symptoms for it. Hope you get sorted and some pain relief

There were no beds on neuro and it was looking like I'd be stuck in A&E for another 24 hours at least while they found me a bed. I think that's why they sent me home.

Waiting on my mum coming to watch the kids now then ill head on up. Hopefully they'll see me a bit quicker today. 6 hours before I was seen then 14 hours before I got answers. Then another 4 hours waiting for them to decide what to do with me before they sent me home with hardly any info. Just neuro will be in touch soon and you'll have to have a trial without catheter before we can let you take it out.

That’s an awful experience . Please go back.

I have the numb leg patch you describe after a bad sciatica experience (still numb after three years!) but at the time I was always able to retain bladder control (and also had the finger up bum test in A&E). You sound like you need more investigation pronto.

Definitely go back and make a big fuss. My friend had a missed cauda equina and it's caused long term problems.

It doesn’t sound right but I did have a herniated disc without cauda equina and the symptoms were quite frightening..numb bum , really serious bowel/ bladder issues, extreme pain.
it’s so long ago but I believe it was an l4/5 herniation? Still, push to be seen again (fast) and ask for copies of all mri findings.

How did you get on OP?

That ^^

I had cauda equina - my leg was numb and I couldn't walk without dragging my foot but I was mobile and no bladder/bowel issues
Was already waiting for a discectomy and I had a tiny tiny feeling of warm water running down my legs. Took myself to a&e and told them I had CE. Back in an MRI and was right

They're adamant it's not CE.
I still can't feel anything but they won't keep me in because there's no room on the ward. So I have to wait until Wednesday then phone up outpatients and find out what's going on with my neuro appointment.