My arms were numb after surgery and unable to work. I'm 2 weeks PO and Full feeling is not back. How long till they wake up?

Question

Both of my arms were numb after my Tummy Tuck with lipo of thighs. When I came out of surgery I could lift either arm. Slowly feeling has come back but it still feels like both are asleep and I have limited strength in forearms, biceps, and hands. My thumbs and index fingers are completely numb. I am two weeks PO. Is this normal? What can I do to fix this? I go back to work in a few days and need my arms to function. Help??

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have some neuropraxia, or nerve injury, after your procedure. This could be from the arm positioning, but based on your symptoms, I wonder if you have some preexisting cervical spine issues that are part of your problem. I would recommend that you see a neurologist or spine surgeon for evaluation. If you just have temporary nerve injury, these will usually resolve within 2 to 3 months.

Juan A. Brou, MD · Answer

Dear mb7011, numbness of the arms after surgery is not infrequent.  It happens mostly in long cases or in cases where the positioning of the patient requires changes or forced positions.  In these situations the arms maybe subjected to abnormal pressure or stretching causing nerve trauma.  This trauma causes pain, numbness and or weakness of the arm.  The great majority of cases are mild and symptoms disappear in a short period of time. When weakness is involved and when symptoms persist there maybe a more significant nerve injury that needs to be investigated such as in your case.  Occasionally somebody prone to develop a compression nerve problem such as  a carpal tunnel will do so in the event of an operation. The IV fluids used in surgery in addition to the position may trigger the presentation of a carpal tunnel in somebody otherwise prone to it.  The numbness of your index and thumb suggest a Median nerve compression which is what we see in carpal tunnel.  Your surgeon will appreciate you reporting this problem because it will help his/her surgical team be more mindful of patient position in surgery. Your surgeon will be able to refer you to the appropriate specialist if it doesn't go away.  Hope it goes away soon!

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear mb7011,

Assuming your arms were completely normal
before surgery, one would have to assume that there is either a compression
problem on the nerves or stretch to the brachial plexus which is the confluence
of nerves in the neck and under the collar bone that extend into the arms. Do
let your surgeon know right away. You may benefit by some physical therapy. The
prognosis for this is usually quite good with full recovery.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

Please make sure your surgeon is aware.  Get a referral to a physical therapist and a neurologist.  This is likely due to arm positioning during the case--pressure, etc.  Further neurologic workup may be necessary if physical therapy does not yield improvement.

David Dellinger, DO, FACOS · Answer

Sounds like something related to how you were positioned during surgery. Definitely check with your surgeon and speak with the hospital or surgery center where you had the procedure performed

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is unlikely this type of thing happen after TT. May be you had nerve compression during surgery time. Please go and see your surgeon so that he will evaluate and guide you through the process.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your problem. I've seen this before, and it seems to be related to positioning during surgery leading to some mild compression of the nerves to the arms. This can happen even when all appropriate steps are taken to cushion & protect you. It generally resolves on its own w/ complete recovery, but sometimes some physical therapy or nerve testing might be necessary. You should probably have some follow up regarding your spine at some point in the future after you recover as well. Best wishes.

My arms were numb after surgery and unable to work. I'm 2 weeks PO and Full feeling is not back. How long till they wake up?

Answers (7)

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