Resolved question:
I am a physically handicapped person due to polio. I am suffering from Pott's spine.I was diagnosed with TB infection and a subsequent abscess formation in D8 to D10. I started AKT from xxx 20xx. But i started to loose locomotive power and some neurological loss in my lower limbs. I underwent decompression surgery for the same on xxxx. But after some time i have total neurological loss and have to undergo another decompression surgery on xxxxx. This time surgery was done in D6-D7. Since then, I m on AKT. I am not able to move. Since xxx, my neurological improvement is merely 5% or so. I don't have bowel and bladder control. Kindly give me your suggestion and medical advice.
Thank you.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
Thank you for using Ask a Doctor Service from Doctor Spring.
I can understand your problem, and will try to help you the best possible.
Recovery from neurological problem usually takes time from few months to years. 5 % of improvement is very much acceptable, and you need to be little more patient, over time with proper care I’m sure you will be able to recover better. I will give you some suggestions which will help in faster recovery:
1. You must take help from physical therapist, who will train you regularly to make you walk slowly, it might take time to mobilise, but this definitely helps. Exercising the spine as instructed will help you recover quicker than if you stay inactive.
2. You must make sure that you move around a little every now and then, you should avoid lying down on the bed all the time, because being stationary can cause to develop ulcer at your back, so prevent that you need to mobilise yourself with the help of your family member or a physical therapist.
3. Avoid twisting, bending forward from the waist or heavy lifting.
4. Continue taking ATT as advised by your Doctor/surgeon and other supportive medications if any prescribed by your doctor regularly.
5. You must take proper care at the site of surgery done at your back; you must keep that area clean, and dry. If you notice any discharge or swelling in that area, then you must immediately inform your surgeon.
6. Inform the surgeon about the difficulty in controlling bowel and bladder habits, he might advise you to be on catheter for a while and train you with certain pelvic exercises or give you medications to help you with this problem.
7. Re arrange your house to make things available at reachable places for you, and you can use chair cushions, a raised toilet seat, or bathing aids to reduce strain while healing takes place.
8. Lastly, practise breathing exercise regularly, as it improves lung capacity and circulation, but also makes you feel less agitated about the recovery. Be little more patient, it is the cornerstone for recovery from neurological problem; try to engage yourself in activities that interest you within your safety limit like reading books and I’m sure you will recover quicker with these measures.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further queries
Thank you.