Question:
I am 6 weeks post op and have numbbess in my arms/hands & legs/feet.

I am 6 weeks post op and for the past week, I have experienced quick numbness in my hands and feet and then they travel to my arms and legs. This only happens when I sit down on something hard, or cross my legs (yippee), or hold my daughter on my hip with one arm. It comes on quick and swift. It goes away as quickly too when I change possition. This hasn't happened like this to me before and I was wondering if other post ops experience this, and also if there may be something wrong with me that I should talk to someone about it. It's just a nuisance more than anything. Thanks for any input.. Annie :)    — Annie R. (posted on September 20, 2001)

September 20, 2001
Hello Annie, I had this same problem. I was getting numbness, cramping, and spasms in my hands legs, and then it would spread to my lower limbs. I talked to my PCP about it and he said it was more than likely a potassium deficiency. He said with the rapid weight loss, and me drinking a lot of water that I was probably depleted of postassium, which is essential to good health. So I went out, bought a potassium supplement,pill form, and after a week of taking them I haven't experienced any problems. I would call your doc, and see if maybe you have the same issue I did. :) Carey
   — Carey N.

September 20, 2001
If you search the data base for "potassim" you will find at least one of my posts on it. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT! GET IT CHECKED "NOW"! If it is potassium it COULD BE very serious. I know! I have had problems with potassium pre op and I'm having very serious problems with it post op. When mine is lower (it's always low) I get light headed then when it bottoms out worse I get numbing in my hands, then going from my head, nose, face, throat, chest to my upper stomach area. I'm in deep $#%@ then and need potassim by IV. This happened on July 24th and Aug 30th. And I should have also had it done on Tuesday. "YES I AM" taking potassim! I've tried both pills and liquid. It is not helping much. You could have a heart attack IF IT IS potassim. Please DO NOT WAIT. GET A BLOOD TEST TODAY, no matter how inconvient. It would beat the inconvience of a heart attack anyday. Good luck.
   — Danmark

September 22, 2001
annie, this does not sound normal to me. please call ur surgeon & tell him about this. love ur angel
   — sheryl titone