Moosa-Duke Solicitors and Temple Legal Protection Limited sponsored a workshop organized by the Cauda Equina Champions Charity on 2nd October 2023 in Birmingham.

The charity’s main objective is to raise awareness about cauda equina syndrome (CES), support the CES community, and provide tailored rehabilitation services to those who have suffered injuries.

I was fortunate to attend the workshop with Tereza Fotiadi, as trainee solicitors, together with Mehmooda Duke, Founder and Chair of MDS, and Navdeep Kainth, Director and Senior Solicitor.

As a Trainee Solicitor, I have had the opportunity to learn about the severity and incapacitating nature of CES through our clients’ experiences. However, speaking and listening to CES sufferers about their practical challenges and difficulties firsthand during the workshop was eye-opening.

Urinary and Bowel Difficulties

Suffering from CES can cause urinary and bowel incontinence and/or retention, so it was not surprising that the workshop began addressing these issues.

A representative of Hollister Incorporated, a company that provides medical products for Ostomy & Continence Care, presented a hydrophilic catheter, a discreet product designed to alleviate female urinary problems. Participants found it relieving to know that such products existed, as it allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy.

“I just want to be treated like everyone else. We are no different.”

Bowel Irrigation System

Qufora, a medical device company that helps people with chronic bowel disorders live a better life, presented types of bowel irrigation products. The primary purpose of these products involves introducing water into the bowel through the rectum using a rectal catheter. The water stimulates the bowel and flushes out the stool. Such products are essential as they prevent infections and obstructions in the bowel.

“Innovative manufacturing advancements have helped make life just a bit more manageable for people”.

Legal Claims

During the post-lunch session, Mehmooda Duke and Navdeep Kainth offered a presentation on the legal considerations involved in pursuing a clinical negligence claim. It was heart-rending to witness the reactions of the attendees, all of whom were affected by CES.

It was revealed that only a handful of the 50 individuals present were previously aware of the condition before being diagnosed. The presentation was an emotional experience, with many participants expressing their wish that they had known about CES earlier when their symptoms first appeared.

Sex and Intimacy

After experiencing a spinal cord injury, it’s common for individuals to focus solely on their physical dysfunction and neglect other aspects of their lives. However, Michelle, a Psychosexual Therapist, highlighted the importance of sexuality and sensuality in a relationship. She stressed that this aspect is often neglected and seeks to bring awareness to its significance for the couple’s well-being. Michelle emphasizes the need to overcome a sense of insecurity and undesirability that can arise after a spinal cord injury, which prevents people from engaging in intimacy.

The workshop closed with a talk from IMediCare, providing advice on further continence management products.

Reflections

The workshop left me feeling even more passionate about raising awareness of Cauda Equina Syndrome. It’s a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their medical history, which is a real eye-opener.

It’s a reminder to appreciate our health and not take it for granted. The ability to stand up without discomfort or use the bathroom normally might seem like small things, but they are priceless and something we should cherish.

By Yusuf Takoliya, Trainee Solicitor, Moosa-Duke Solicitors.

If you have been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome and you would like support from the Cauda Equina Champions, please click here to visit their website.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors are medical negligence solicitors who specialise in claims involving cauda equina syndrome. If you have concerns about the treatment that you or a loved one received, please contact us for a no-obligation consultation.