Question:
I am 4 days post op and my arms are tingling

They seem to fall alseep especially at bedtime. I am sleeping in a recliner. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I have been walking approx 1 hour a day since surgery (not fast, just walking) to prevent blood clots. It seems to be in my lower arms, between my wrists and elbows. Please help!    — Sasha A. (posted on July 14, 2003)

July 13, 2003
When you are in the recliner, are your arms up by your head or down on the arms of the chair? When I sleep/nap in my recliner, I have a tendency to put my arms up...which makes them tingle. I have awakened with them fully asleep because they were up. Just a thought. Congrats on your surgery and making the journey to the other side!
   — Rachel T.

July 13, 2003
Hmmm. Just another thought, perhaps you should have your potassium level checked. Seems you would be alittle to early post op for this problem, but who knows. When my potassium drops, first my hands get tingly like little ants crawling all over. Then my head, face, neck, chest get tingly. Then I know I"m in the beginning of trouble when my hands just start to tingle. Then it's off to the ER fast for a potassium IV. I don't think this is it, however IF it is potassium it is not something that can wait. Why not call your doctor/surgeon to ask. Better safe than sorry.
   — Danmark

July 13, 2003
Is it your upper arm/shoulder area? I had this happen when I was first post-op. I asked the doctor and he assured me it was normal. Basically, pain and gas can divert itself to your shoulders (not sure how or why), and that could be what you are feeling
   — thekatinthehat

July 15, 2003
1. Always call your doc and check with them - better to be safe than sorry. 2.) I sleep in a recliner and my arms do that if I put them up over my head or lay them down on arm rests. What fixed it for me was once I get settled, stretched out or in the position I want to sleep in, I prop pillows under my arms - kind of bring them up to heart level. This works like a charm for me. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
   — Deborah F.

July 15, 2003
I had the same problem and the doctor told me it was because my Potassium was low. They gave me Potassium IV's and the problem went away.
   — Jennifer M.