Botched cervical EPIDURAL
 

7 years ago I had a cervical epidural to relieve neck pain. When I awoke from surgery I could not move my left arm and had excruciating burning and tingling in my left hand. The MRI showed that the doctor had punctured my spinal cord. The result: my left bicep is almost non existent, I cannot turn my hand so that it is palm-up, and I have constant burning, numbness, coldness and tingling in my left hand.I have excruciating pain is in my middle fingertip. I tried narcotics for a while and found no relief.I have been on Lyrica (150mg 3 times a day)for 3years. Have tried stimulators of all kinds including motor cortex in which I have electrodes implanted and a battery implanted. I wear a stretch glove on my hand and use an electric heat mitt to help with the burning.Is there anyone out there with a similar problem? My doctors say my case is a one in a million occurence after an epidural.

My spinal cord was not punchered but my nerver roots to my quads and hamstring muscles were damaged by the drugs (fentanly and ropivicaine) that were used in the epidural post op pain pca. I was dx with segmental spinal myoclonus my right leg developed a mind of its own. to see it calm is a once in a life time chance anymore.

Great to have you with us!!
 

Hi there and Welcome.

I see someone has directed you to the correct forums.

Keep posting and I hope you see better days ahead of you.

Take care,

Melody

i'm glad you found NT. welcome.

look around and i'm sure you'll find several forums that fit for you.
you'll find a lot of understanding and support here.

i too hope you feel better and do better. don't give up trying to get help for your problems and pain.

Welcome to NT

So sorry you have had this problem after the epidural. You have suffered. We understand here at NT.

My first thought is, have you considered or done any research on stem cell research. They are doing wonders in India and some other countries. It's expensive but worth it if it helps. I met a lady that had been involved in a motorcycle accident and couldn't walk. She mortgaged her home and flew to India for, I think 6 weeks. Stayed there and took treatments. Stem cell into the spinal column once a week and an injection daily, like a booster, if I remember correctly. The room and board, meals was included. It was $40,000 but she can walk now. She needs more but can't afford it right now.

Thank God for those miracles. I know there's a lot of controversary, but let's pray they get it to where it's acceptable and helps people. There's so much suffering in the world. So few options for "normal" again.

I hope you find others here who can help you from their actual experience with this kind of thing. it being rare, it's hard to compare.

keep us posted...