Hi, I just had another surgery on the right shoulder, I have had two on the left one in the past 25 years. I am not new to surgeries or pain. I had a labrum tear and the doctor and anesthesiologist pretty much insisted on nerve block instead of general anesthesia. I was never told that i would have a difficulty taking deep breaths or that that I would get the droopy eye and raspy voice until I had a panic attack as it was happening. I signed the consent and now I wish I would have never done it (I can handle pain).
The dead arm sensation freaked me out to no end but I can say now that it is the least of my worries. The sensation started to come back within several hours and of course I still needed pain meds. By 26 hours post op I still had no feeling in my right thumb and index finger. The nurse told me that it would resolve itself by the end of the day. It did not. I also realized the inside of my arm, elbow down is numb, but not completely. I called my doctor on Thanksgiving, (day 3) as he was getting out of surgery and he said he had never heard of that following the never block in the neck. He said t give it a few more days. The thumb actually is cold feeling and feels sort of deadened, but oddly painful. Which makes no sense as I keep using the word numb. To say the least, and yes pun intended it is nerve racking!! Tomorrow is day 5 and I pray to God that this is not permanent . So did I suffer nerve damage either by the nerve block or by positioning on operating table or am I crazy?
All I know is that I cannot tolerate this. Do I call my surgeon on Monday or the anesthesiologist? I am super bummed out by this. I feel I traded one thing for another if it is indeed permanent. Everything I have read says it all resolves itself, just could take weeks or months. Please, anyone with similar issue please respond. Let me add that I am 48 year old female and am in good health despite the surgeries but I can say they are from tennis. I am active and cannot I cannot handle this lasting forever.

Sincerely,

Mel

Hi,

So sorry you're having these difficulties after surgeries and nerve block attempt.

Healing does take time, and in its own time.

Nerves are slow to heal. So, be patient.

It is wintertime here in the hills. Not much recreational to do to aggravate my injuries.

You can adapt.

The rest of your body can be active. Staying fit is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of, if you're able.

Yoga is a good form or gentle stretches. It could help you in the long run.

Relaxation and breathing techniques can also help us during these stressful, anxiety-kicking times.

I would suggest you keep a diary of events, symptoms, complaints, pain scale, describing in detail, including drawing the pain pattern, telephone numbers, person(s) with whom you spoke, date of calls, and so on. It may be helpful later on.

Don't worry about typos. We can get it, or ask you to clarify.

Keep asking questions.

Mel ,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Seems like (Broken Wings) has given you some great things to assist you. Hopefully with time you will begin to feel better.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I will be seeing my ortho doctor on Friday if the numbness does not resolve. I know things like this happen but after 4 surgeries, two on each shoulder now, I definitely would not have a nerve block again. I can take the pain. I have had 9 surgeries in the past and I can handle a lot. I rarely take pain med as I have a high tolerance to pain. I realize I signed the consent and I am not angry at anyone, I just wish I went with my gut instinct on this!! Praying to my Lord that all resolves very shortly!!

In Him,

Mel

Good to hear you can handle pain good, I too am the same way. We two are lucky compared to many others. Please keep us all up to date on your conditions. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My doctor called this morning and while it s unusual or a nerve block to last this long it is not unheard of. He knew of the C-5,C-6 issues and thinks maybe while was on operating table for that length of time it may have irritated the C-6....nerve. Calling me in cortisone pack.
Let us see!!

What were the surgeries for?
What were the Symptoms & diagnosis?
Clear & specific things that showed on MRI or xrays?