Question:
My left thigh is numb and painful!
Hi there, I have a question regarding numbness. I am 12 days post-op and ever since I was 3 days post-op, I have had a pins-and-needles feeling in my left outer thigh. It's become painful as of today and it won't seem to fully "wake-up". It's worse at night when I sleep. Any ideas? — Kelly C. (posted on June 18, 2002)
June 18, 2002
With WLS being a major surgery, I would call my doctor ASAP, beter be safe
than sorry.
— Lisa W.
June 18, 2002
If I wasn't dealing with the same thing, I'd tell you that your question
doesn't make sense...numb and painful at the same time? I'm 6 months out,
and still having problems. Just last week I saw a Neurologist. She did
some tests with needles and these probe thingys that shocked a little bit
and then told me that this is from being on the operating table for so
long. My femoral nerve was damaged. It happens a lot. She said that
since it's been 6 months and no change, i'm probably stuck with it. She
did give me a prescription for these Lidocaine patches to put on my leg,
but they dont help much. I'm sure this is the same thing that's wrong with
you, but it can't hurt to get checked. My only advice to you is to try to
put a pillow between your legs and sleep on your side. This is the only
thing that helps me. Feel free to email me if you have any other
questions.
— Monica H.
June 18, 2002
Hi... I had the same thing but in my right thigh and leg at about the same
time and by 6-8 wks it was gone so hopefully yours will be too. I was told
it was from the long surgery and also that nerves were tramatized from the
surgery. I would definitely tell your Doctor though to be sure it is not a
symptom of something else. I am 11 wks now and doing fine. Good luck to
you.
— AJC750
June 18, 2002
NUMB & PAINFUL???? I have the same thing and when I tell anyone
about it they think I am nuts!!! How can something be numb and
painful at the same time. Nuts, maybe, but it is the truth!!!!
I am almost 1 yr post op and my left thigh is still a little
numb and painful too. My dr said the damage was done to me
on the operating table and in my own bed. He said my weight
contributed to it. It is pressure on a nerve and will take
time to work itself out. I wonder if it will ever get better.
It is extremely painful if someone (hopefully my husband!)
grabs my leg. My dr said to lay on my side when I sleep and not
on my back. It seems to relieve it a little!!
— RODEO CLOWNS S.
June 18, 2002
I had the same experience with pain and numbness on the outer thigh of my
right leg. It began days after surgery and worsened for several months
thereafter. I was told by my surgeon that it was a result of the surgery
combined with rapid weight loss as shifting in my pelvis caused the femoral
nerve to be pinched. I was told it would improve with time and more weight
loss. After about eight months, the pain and numbness decreased and it is
now completely gone today.
— Juan C.
June 18, 2002
Thank you so much for asking this question. I have a small spot on my left
hip that is the same way and I am 2 1/2 weeks post op. If I lay on the
spot it hurts!! Other than that I can feel the numbness all the time. I
was only on the operating table 2 hours. Hopefully our pain will go away
with the weight.
— Cindy M.
June 18, 2002
Kelly, the same thing happened to me after a back surgery over a year ago.
It's true, its both numb yet painful. Since my WLS, at first it got worse,
kinda shocking little feelings on the thigh, then as I lost weight, it got
better but still has not gone away. I'm afraid this nerve damage may just
be a permanent result of our surgeries.
— Cindy R.
June 18, 2002
I have the same thing. I started about 3 days after surgery. I am now 6
months out and both of my legs are still numb, but the shooting/burning
pains have subsided. sure hope it eventually goes away. Terri
— Terri H.
June 18, 2002
Hi Kelly, I'm no doctor, but it sounds like your siatic nerve, I've had the
same symtoms that you are having for the past 10 years and i was diagnosed
with a pinched siatic nerve. I was told that surgery can bring it on, and
weight plays a very big part in it. I had my wls on 10/24/01 and the siatic
nerve is improving with the weight lose. so hang in there it does get
better as you lose weight
— Liz M.
June 18, 2002
Hi,
I have had the same thing ever since I was pregnant with my daughter in
1997. My doc told me it's called paresthetica meraliga. Here are some links
to some sites that explain it.
Maria
http://www.medschool.lsumc.edu/Nsurgery/mp.html
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/10/17/01.html
— Maria S.
June 18, 2002
Sorry the links ran together. Please note that there are two sites on that
line.
— Maria S.
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