In July of 2000 I underwent emergency surgery for Acute Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) secondary to a large L4-5 Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. I saw the Neurosurgeon for the following 3 months and the numbness turned to pain, with bowel and bladder accidents. I began seeing a GP for pain management in January 2001. I was not told of CES. In June of 2008 I was no longer capable of working. While getting my medical records I found out about the CES. The GP say they do not have the "expertise" to diagnose CES, even though they have treated me for the last 8 years for pain, spasms, urine and bowel incontinence. They never prior read my record, nor noticed the notation from the two hospitals and the neurosugeon. Does a GP have the "expertise" to diagnose CES with the history and 3 MRI tests (the last done end of June 2008)? I have been trying to get it for the last month.

I have found out that a GP who is paying attention to the signs does have the education to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome.