" I got information on my condition from the web"

I had an emergency mirco discectomy on 25th July 2010. at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Devon.

The Surgeon was very good at the time and explained the problem basically and what to expect, or not, after the operation. I was treated very well at the hospital, and my subsequent visit to the continence nurse was great, but that's were the aftercare has ended.

The words Cauda Equina Syndrome have never been mentioned to me, I have discovered that this is what I am suffering by checking my symptons on the web and only just confirmed to me by the surgeons secretary when I called to chase up about my post op consultation.

I was only told when I asked the secretary that the condition was called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

I did already know that I should have had a consultation with the surgeon within 4-6 weeks - that was the reason for the call and chase up.

I was seen at the hospital by the physio which entailed walking to the end of the ward and back, that's it.I have not been given any excersises, or advised to see anyone else.

I saw my GP, who said they had no experience with and had never come across this condition. I am now back at work ( phased in hours).

I feel very let down by the hospital, by the lack of information given and lack of support, except from the continence nurse.

All the information I have regarding this condition is from a support group that I found on the web.

I am still in some pain, it gets better and worse, using intermittent catheters for my bladder problems, but don't know what I can or should be doing about my bowel problems and naturally worried whether I am doing the right things or what is now normal for me.