I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

Question

Should I be worried ??? My doc said the numbness happened and go away with time but that was before it got a lil but swollen n slightly bruised ..... I called him waiting for a call back ... I live 5 hours away from him so I'm having anxiety about my arm

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Your problem is worthy of an examination. If you're IV was the same arm or the blood pressure cuff was on that arm is possible this could generate swelling and pressure on the nerve which creates the numbness. Nevertheless, you should have this checked.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear BBB,

	Thank you for your post.  In a TT, the arms are positioned on arm boards, and despite proper padding, sometimes compression to a nerve can happen.  This almost always resolves over time and can take more than a few days in many cases.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon per his instructions.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can occur following certain procedures.  Without knowing what you had done and how you were positioned during your procedure as well as how long your surgery took, its impossible to speculate on the cause.  However, in most situations such as yours, the nerves heal and everything is fine in the end.  Regardless, keep your surgeon informed.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Most likely this is from positioning on the operating table, and usually this will resolve. Best reassurance for you will probably come from your own physician near home, who might make a referral to a neurologist. 

	All the best.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

This numbness is most likely due to positioning on the operating room table.  Pressure on the median nerve will cause this type of temporary problem.  Make your surgeon aware of the problem but I would expect it to get better soon.

I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

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Answer: I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

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I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

Answers (5)

Answer: I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

Answer: I'm 5 Days Post Op my Thumb is Still Tingly and Numb and my Arm is Slightly Swollen, Should I Be Worried?

Answer: Numbness of the thumb after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Numbness of the thumb after an abdominoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.