Introducing myself and thanking in advance
 

Hi, my name's Alyssa and I am joining this forum after a pretty devastating (at least to me) life change. I will try to keep it short and to the point, although I tend to ramble. Last September (2011) I had a myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) and the surgeon for some reason took 10.5 hours as opposed to the 4.5-5 that was expected. She had me in dorsal lithotomy which is apparently strapped in upside down in stirrups. I woke with no feeling in most of my right leg. The doctors say that I sustained "stretched" femoral nerves while under anesthesia. By the time I left the hospital there was some feeling, but almost all horrible pain and extreme weakness. I have been using a cane and custom knee brace ever since.

Prior to the surgery I had no medical history (besides the fibroids). I was a paramedic for over eleven years, worked out doing crossfit, weights and aerobics regularly, hiked often and have always been proactive and very independent. I now have severe insomnia, gained fifty pounds over five months, was fired from my job as a paramedic (and remain unemployed), and I think I may be showing signs of acute psychological distress.

I am joining this group to try and climb out of these horrible negative feelings and thoughts. They tell me that it will take as long as three years for my leg to heal (if it heals), and it's killing my spirit to be so sedentary and well....weak. I am hoping that there's something else out there to aid in my healing. I like many on here have experienced isolation from friends and family (I was the one people came to for help and advice). And I have been unimaginably frustrated with doctors and the system, having to FIGHT every step of the way just to get SOME kind of treatment and help besides "being patient" and waiting for the nerves to heal. I had faced serious challenges in my life before but this is unlike anything I could have ever anticipated. Sometimes I feel like everywhere I turn is a fresh new problem/brick wall that stalls my progress.

I hope I can find some help and who knows what else on this site...maybe a friend or two. Thank you for your time in reading this (not to mention your patience).

Alyssa

Wow 10+ hrs for that surgery?
Did you request a copy of the surgical report? I think that is what it is called.

Someone should be able to give you an answer as to why it took so long.
If there were complications, there would/should be a record of it and that 10+ hrs would be easier to accept.

I give up on MDs sometimes too and look for do it myself or alternative therapies.

I wonder if acupuncture or gentle expert chiropractic might be of help?
(The chiro I found was the most help for my TOS/RSI/myofascial pain syndromes)
He used many PT type modalities, my favorite were the IF stim & low level laser therapy. I have my own IF stim now as well as some other gadgets for home care.

Hi,

Sounds like quite the ordeal. I had some very severe psychosomatic pain back in 2008. I was cripple for 3 years. The Doctors thought that I had injured my ankle, but found out that there was nothing wrong with it. But by the time I realized the pain was coming from my mind, the ankle brace itself had run down my ankle and I was left using the cane. I resorted to Therapy techniques to get myself to the point where I can now run. I did a lot of self talk where I would get the fear and anger under control so that the pain wouldn't get out of hand. Too many people underestimate the power of the mind. Now if someone has a legitimate condition that has been discovered with MRI, Blood tests, X-rays,etc.etc. Then the pain is just serving its purpose. But not many people realize how much of a role that our emotions play in making the pain unbearable. So hopefully things can begin to turn around for you. I feel bad just hearing your story. Don't worry, there are a lot of people to get to know.

Nice to meet you!!
 

Hi Jomar,

Thank you so much for the response! I do have the report. Strangely enough it does not include start and end times of the surgery. Who knows how that will play out. As for my treatment, I currently get accupuncture with PENS and see a cranial sacral physical therapist (sounds like we think alike :) ). I was hoping to see a physiatrist for electrical stimulation with PT but the experts out here will not accept patients who could have a lawsuit due to accident or surgical injury. Even when I said that I don't have a lawsuit pending, they still wouldn't even consider me.

Hi,

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, this injury was identified with EMG's by the hospital neurologists and an additional neurologist I saw for a second opinion. I've had four EMG's thus far and they all revealed the same thing... femoral nerve damage. Pain is a big thing with me, but the weakness from lack of muscle innervation is what truly devastated my life. I have no reflex, and cannot balance. My career was literally saving peoples lives which included lifting people and pulling them from wrecked vehicles etc. A paramedic who cannot walk unassisted is no paramedic at all.

I think I understand what you are saying about the power of the mind. I agree and am hopeful to make major improvements in that area. But I am also looking for insight on how to treat my very real condition as opposed to waiting around like the doctors claim is my only recourse. There has to be a way!! ;)

Journey
 

I believe the power of the human will is little understood by many. I think you have taken the largest and hardest step, the first one. I will pray for you and come back to share or ask for info, venting is OK to.