I am in a similar situation as you. I had a blood-filled cyst at the t2-t3 level which damaged my spinal cord. I have had 5 spinal surgeries, the most recent this past Dec. due to severe osteoarthritis and disks which damaged the spinal cord at C2-C4 ~ I had paralysis of my left side. I had my neck fused and also a lumbar fusion. I still have 4 disks causing spinal stenosis throughout my spine. I can walk, but my legs give out withing 3 to 5 minutes before I have to sit down. I cannot go anywhere without my power wheelchair, altho I can get around in my very small apt.holding on to things or using my walker. Many of the symptoms you had with the onset are what I experienced. I was totally paralyzed from just below the rib cage down to my feet. Hang in there ~ we have SCI's too, Just to a different degree.. Peace ~ hang in there!