People living with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) are being supported in rediscovering their sex and intimate lives through the launch of a first-of-its-kind therapy service.
Sexual dysfunction is a common effect of CES, along with loss of sensation and issues around fertility, but a lack of specialist provision makes it something that is rarely addressed.
Now, to help address issues around sexual and intimate problems, a psychosexual therapy service has been created by Michelle Donald and Sue Lennon, working in conjunction with the Cauda Equina Champions Charity.
Despite its life-changing impact, CES as a condition is not widely known about even, meaning many people suffer in silence through a lack of diagnosis or appropriate support.
The syndrome is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis where the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed, and failure to diagnose and receive appropriate treatment can lead to greater risk of long-term consequences including incontinence or paralysis.
It can have a devastating impact on people’s intimate lives through the ramifications of saddle numbness, pain, bladder and bowel issues and body image, which can impact significantly on personal relationships.
Through the creation of the psychosexual therapy service, Michelle and Sue, both expert professionals in their field, will support people in overcoming psychological barriers to help rebuild satisfying intimate lives and help them come to terms with their ‘new self’.
The charity will help fund this support for CES patients and their partner to explore new ways of enjoying sex and intimacy after life-changing injury.
Claire Thornber, founder of the Cauda Equina Champions Charity, is a passionate campaigner for greater support and awareness around CES, and recognises the huge impact sexual and intimacy problems can have on the lives of couples.
“As a former CES patient, I am all too aware of the impact of sexual dysfunction arising from a Cauda Equina injury,” she tells NR Times.
“On a daily basis, through our charity we hear of the struggles people face adjusting to life after CES. There is a huge human element to this, it’s not just about the surgery and medical impact. Many people resign themselves to withdrawing from any kind of intimacy and often relationships are put under huge pressure.
“We want to support couples and families to move forward together and empower the person living with CES to address this. For some people after CES, sex can be the last thing they want to think about and it is put on the back burner, but we are here for when they are ready.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this much-needed, crucial service, we’ve had some really good feedback from clinicians about what we have created.
“Also, we’re thrilled to be supported by Michelle and Sue, who bring with them years of experience in this area, helping people lead happy and fulfilling lives once again.”
“What a thrill it is for me to work with people who are truly curious about sexual satisfaction after CES,” says Sue.
“I really can’t wait to get started, joining Champion’s Charity in making a real difference and finding very happy outcomes.”
Michelle adds: “Having a low level spinal injury in my late 20s, I became aware of the many issues surrounding how an SCI affects a person’s relationships and sensuality.
“Provisions in the NHS are sadly very few. I am delighted to be able to offer this service to enable people to start a different intimate journey.”
Referrals can be made to the charity at info@championscharity.org.uk or via the helpline on 03335 777113
