Spinal Cord Tumor (Schwannoma): Aaron’s Story

I had a spinal cord tumor that my nerve endings had wrapped. I was in terrible pain; had surgery but nerve endings were severed to remove as much of tumor as possible. The years since haven’t been easy, I can walk short distances; no feeling below my waist backside. No control over bladder . I am thankful that I have done as well as I have. Just wish the nerve endings hadn’t of wrapped the tumor. But I’m a Christian and I know that God has allowed me to walk. The doctor told me after learning to walk again that anyone else would be in a wheelchair. Praise my Jesus that I am still here years later. To you reading this never take walking for granted; our lives can change in a minute

So, I have had surgery last week. Removing a schwannoma from my spinal cord around l3. I found out in February this year. My life just stopped. Couldnt believe it and as soon as i found out what kind of surgery was needed i was so scared. Last week i was very scared going into surgery. I knew there was no choice by still had to drag myself in there. I was scared for complications and also the surgery itself. Now 1 week later, I feel better. It was a very tough surgery, and first 3 days were very hard. Walked on day 2, but my legs did not feel the same. Power and coordination were missing. Now after the 1st week I can say strength is coming back and coordination also. Still very tired from surgery. This will take those 4 to 6 weeks recovery. From anyone going trough this, keep up hope. It sure helps and go into surgrry being fit. I'll post an update in a few weeks.

Mine was near L4-L5 and causing me lots of pain for years. I had surgery 3 months ago and there was no complications! I was so scared when they found the tumor and had fears about surgery. To anyone going through this I hope all goes well for you too!

Recently had a benign schwannoma removed between T11 and T12. Six weeks after it was fully removed, I’m back to work. Anyone reading this with similar issues, be strong 👍

I also had a spinal cord tumor removed on 11/6/18 I can report I am walking and driving !! Thank you Dr. Heiss at NIH !

I'm 24, I'm in my last year of Law school and this January 2018 I had a spinal tumor removed from my L3 on my lumbar. I've always been an athlete, and prior to the surgery I hadn't been able to do much physical activity for around a year because of the pain the tumor caused me. It took about a full year for a doctor to diagnose the tumor. I walked less than 48hr after the surgery, and three months after the surgery I am in very good physical shape with the ability to run, jump, play soccer and do anything I please. I train my body regularly and work hard on getting myself to where I once was. I am and will forever be thankful to the people that study such a beautiful profession, keep a positive mindset.. always and no matter what.

I actually had a spinal cord tumor (T3 height).I got operated by a really good doctor and i walked in the 3rd day).Now i can run,sprint,play basketball and shiet :') It been 2 years and 3 months and my right side from my right ribs to my right foot toes are really numb but im alive :D

In 1991 at 30 years old...they found a tumor on the base of my spine. They rushed, did surgery and I've been disabled since. I had to learn to walk again...among other things. I suffer with spinal headaches daily. It's been hell. My surgery was over 4 hours but they severed major nerves. I wish I had found a better surgeon. I can't run anymore...I walk slow. But...I'm alive!! :)

I had a spinal tumor the size of a peach wrapped around my nerves at the L4 and L5 and suffered with it for 3 years before I was diagnosed. My symptoms were an extreme fire like pain down both legs and couldn't walk more than a few feet without falling over. After my surgery I was in the hospital for a 4 days recovering and a week later I was walking around the house. The only Negative effects of surgery was my lower back muscles tightened up and numbness in my inner leg thigh. Other than that i consider myself lucky.

I'm having surgery for a tumor and herniated disk on August 31st 2022. Your video really eased my nerves Aaron! Thankyou for sharing and posting your story!

my best friend had a tumor inside the spinal specifically in T11. his having a hard to walk to due to the effect of the tumor. he still under doctors observation. hope next year will be his operation. pray for my friend pls.

I have small one L 2. I have enough spine issues. Cyst in S 2. Used lumbar, fused cervical. Pinch nerves. Lord healed me and anyone just found out they have it

Have a good life ahead my man, your story inspires us🙏🏽💪🏼

I had melanoma tumor on spine surgery 1 month ago. Dr. Konn in Memphis Tn. I have 10 screws and 2 rods in my spine and was able to walk fine day after surgery. This man in my opinion worked a miracle on me. Will forever be grateful for this doctor. He is at UT Medical in Memphis Tn.

I have a spinal tumor. The Dr is watching it and has told me that when I lose bladder or bowel control then it will be a problem. Until then he doesn't want to do anything with it. 5 years now and we are still watching.

3 years ago I was diagnosed by a cystic schwannoma arising from spinal nerve sheath and then I was only 18 years old . Surgery was done after 4 months as the tumor was a little big so immediate surgery was required. After the surgery I lost my sensation in the thigh of my left leg and it's been 3 years after the surgery it don't heal and got a pain in the spinal . But luckily the tumor was arising from the L2-L3 nerves so I can walk freely and can run also .

Meaning of life is to enjoy it. Brilliant guys so happy for you.

También he sido operada hace 20 días de lo mismo,gracias a mi neurocirujano que hizo que volviera a tener alegría,no podía caminar,tengo 56 años y parecía de 80 años. Gracias al Dr Miguel Calderón tengo una nueva vida, sin dolor y el poder caminar...!

I have had 4 spine tumors, the largest was 8 pounds from being misdiagnosed for seven years. It took me two years to learn to walk again. Now in my 50s and seven spine surgeries, I have to use a cane. I still have a lot of pain and I think it’s because I have schwannomatosis. But trying to get my insurance to pay for the genetic testing is impossible. I’m glad yours turned out so well.

I just found out I might have a tumor, a cyst or possible cancer in my spine, I might be contacting you soon after I find out what is going on, glad you made a full recovery I hope I can make the same, my meeting is this Wednesday so wish me luck