Question
My mom had a thoracic surgery(T9-10-11) on 3/28/07. Prior to surgery,she only feel a bit heavy to move her upper right leg.Now after the surgery, she can't even move both of her legs/can't walk.In addition to that she is unable to pass urine/bowel normally, we have to use a female catheter to take out the left over of urine, after she pass urine and at the same time she pass urine,she also pass motion/bowel, without she feel it.The surgeon didn't give us a clear explanation to what happened and everyone of us were very frustrated.She is taking medicine(clonazepam,amitriptilyne,baclofen,methycobal) given by the neurologist & doing a physioteraphy. Appreciate if you can advise what we have to do next. Thank you in advance.

Answer
Although I am not a physician, I can say that there is swelling that occurs after spinal surgery and that can have negative effects during the post-operative period.  It can take weeks for the swelling to resolve itself and little progress can be seen until that time.

I would recommend that your mother and the family ask for a detailed explanation from the surgeon regarding what is happening.  The surgeon has all the records and was there for the surgery.  He/she is the best person to supply the appropriate answer for your mother's condition.  Keep after them until you get an acceptable answer.

Thank you for your question, Sugi.  I hope that my answer leads you to some help for your mother.