Question:
What Happens to Your Left Arm During Surgery?

When I woke up from surgery I remember my left arm was killing me. Even now, a month later, if I raise it and keep it raised for a while, bringing it back down is painful. I was just wondering what in the world happens to your left arm during surgery and if the "crickety-ness" in it goes away.    — susanje (posted on February 9, 2003)

February 9, 2003
I don't know either, but mine hurt worse than my incision. I am almost 16 wks out and it still catches me every now and then. I thought maybe they pulled it back too far when they had it on the board where they put the IV in. Someone else said it might be gas, but in the shoulder?
   — Tawnda C.

February 9, 2003
Happened to me too...the nurse said that your body diverts pain to your should and arm..it went away after abuot a week, then came back for about a week, then went away again.
   — thekatinthehat

February 9, 2003
that SHOULD say SHOULDER not SHOULD...hehehehe
   — thekatinthehat

February 9, 2003
As crazy as it sounds, my doctor tells at his seminar that gas does get trapped in the shoulders and upper arm areas after surgery and can cause lots of pain. I have also heard others say it's because your arme are outstretched and strapped down in one position for so long. Hope you feel better soon! Ginger
   — Ginger N.

February 9, 2003
I too had problems with my left arm. And, my thumb too! lol I was told this is quite common and would eventually go away. It had something to do with the way I was on the operating table. It did finally go away and I have had no more problems with my arm except for the slight numb feeling on the tip of my thumb.
   — Helenjean P.

February 9, 2003
I was told by my doctor that any surgery that requires your abdomenal cavity to be filled with air will cause this symptom and that it takes a week or so for your body to process the air out of your abdominal cavity. I hope you feel better soon!
   — Kristen M.

February 9, 2003
I woke up with a heck of a bruise on my upper left arm and a little bruise on my right. I was told it was because I was strapped to the operating table during surgery because the surgeron actually put me upside-down for part of the procedure. The pain could be trapped gas (from a lap procedure) or maybe the position or restraint of your arms during wls.
   — Kristen S.

February 10, 2003
It probably is a combination of things. How did they have you positioned? Where was the blood pressure cup? How much have you 'worked' that arm since surgery? Although I can understand why a lap would be worse for trapped gas, an open creates a big risk also. I don't really understand why...with all the medical technology we have that they are unable to get the excess air out. Then again, I guess we aren't ziploc baggies. I've had trapped gas from previous surgeries and it is extremely painful. Chamomile(sp) tea and as much movement as possible is what I've found works best for me. If, by any chance you have anyone around who could gently rub your shoulder while it hurts, sometimes that can really help move the air pocket.
   — Diane S.