numbness and pain in genital area

[bev]

Hi all

I have developed numbness on one side of my genital area, one butt cheek and the back of my thigh during the last 2/3 days, it feels very strange Some of you may remember that I had problems back in Jan and have since needed to self cath 5 times daily I have had some loss of sensation before but this is very more pronounced and not on my usuall bad side I also have what feels like someone using a blow torch on the back of my thigh and my back pain and rectal spasms are severe just now as well as pain in my ''you no what'' Should I be concerned about these changes? I am so confused right now I don't know what to do for the best, doctors get on my nerves at the mo, one test after another with few answers apart from ''you will prob have to live with the cathing for ever''

thanks
love bev x

[ncdude]

Bev-

The areas you speak of seem to relate to the sacral part of the spine below the lumbar. S1, S2, S3. I found this on a dermatome map at http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MEdEd/GrossAnatomy/learnem/dermat/main_der.htm

I've been told that I should seek immediate help at an ER if I were ever to lose bladder or bowel control. If I were you, I'd at least get to your neurosurgeon to have him/her help you determine a course of treatment.

joe

[carolynms]

Bev, I think anytime there is a change in symptoms (especially the kind you described), it definitely warrants a call, if not visit, to the doctor. I have a friend who had similar symptoms (except the cathing), and after her MRI, they sent her straight to the hospital. Keep us posted as to how you are doing!
Carolyn

[Melanie]

Give you doc a call Bev, this could be a serious sign that you need to address.

[Jolene]

It's time to take off the gloves and get their attention. If that means a boot in the (bleeeeep) then do it! I hope I'm wrong but my gut tells me you are a weee bit too gentle even though your life is on the line.

[dorothy from Oz]

hi bev, yes you should be concerned this is not a normal happening take it from someone with brain and Spine injury, this is much more common with the Spinalcord (lower which can mean many things, not to be just narrowed to the sacral, but much more common in Sacral, these are my opinions not your doctors , be diligent.
NC Dude good to see you:) .If symtpoms become increased at all! they may be able to schedule MRI,CT or CT Myelogram, but FIRST CALL a Doctor and dont try to wait this out, numbess,loss of feeling or movement is NOT normal.

Good luck in this and Many hugs to you
Dorothy from Oz