Question:
Has anyone experienced neuropathy after reconstructive surgery?

I am 3 weeks post op from a belt lipectomy and inner thigh lift. When I woke up in recovery after a 7 1/2 hour surgery I had no control of my left foot. I also had a numb sensation all the way up to my lower back. I have slowly gotten some feeling and control back but am getting frustrated. My surgeon said it is called neuropathy and the feeling and control will come back. He said it was due to being on the table for so long. Has anyone else experienced this? Did the feeling really come back? Nancy S. 6-25-03 143 lbs. lost    — Nancy S. (posted on October 19, 2004)

October 19, 2004
I developed a neuropathy in my right foot following my RNY. The doctor said it happened because the straps that hold you on the operating table were too tight. Anyway, the entire front of my calf and top of my foot, including all the toes, were numb. I literally had no feeling. After a couple of months, some feeling started to return starting at the top of the calf and eventually moving down. At this time, I then had "pins and needles" literally all the time. Not regular pins and needles but intensified probably 20 times. I couldn't wear shoes or socks because they made it worse. My feet were freezing all the time. Eventually the tingling became less and less and after about 8-9 months it went away. It took actually over a year to regain full feeling again. I was told it could be permanent but decided to wait a year to see if I should file a lawsuit against the anesthesiologist who's fault I was told it was. I was told it it his responsibility during the surgery to be my advocate and make sure those straps weren't too tight and were removed occasionally. My surgery was 8 hours long. I'm sure this post doesn't brighten your day but wanted to tell you my story. Hope you get better soon but be prepared fot it to take a few months.
   — lindadougherty

October 19, 2004
I had it in my thigh. Dr. said it was my position on the table. It did go away after months of pain trying to sleep. Good luck Cheryl
   — cheryl N.

October 19, 2004
One of my very good friends had a illieostomy put in she came to completed paralyzed in her right arm. She was unable to feed herself or anything. This lasted several weeks, and was told that it was neuropathy. She is JUST FINE today. It was def. temporary, but a relatively long temporary being several weeks. Lisa Lap RNY 08/31/04 220/189/115
   — chelle_0608

October 20, 2004
Thanks to everyone that replied. It makes me feel better knowing this is probably only temporary, even if it takes a year to get it all back. Nancy RNY 6-25-03 266.5/123
   — Nancy S.