Nerve Pain From Lower Back Lift

[Luvs2live]

I had a Lower Back Lift done on 9/9/2009 and had about 7 pounds of skin removed.  I had told the doctor that I had problems with dissolvable stitches with my tummy tuck but ended up using 02 stitching.  Over the next 9 month I had 8 areas where the stitching was removed.  I have a spot near the buttock/hip that feels like someone is poking me with a live electrical wire.  It's enough where my body involuntarily jerks, the worst on is on my right side.  Btw, that side is where I have a large section of my outer upper thigh that is numb but will start burning in areas if the area is aggravated..

The plastic surgery group(I went through the resident program of a very large and well known university hospital) didn't have much to say about all of this other than to give it more time for the stitches to dissolve.  It's pretty tough to live with because I cannot lay on anything firm for very long without it flaring things up.  That means a lot of the weightlifting I used to do can no longer be tolerated by me.

I really don't know who to turn to or if there is anything that can be done.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance!

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

You need to be evaluated by a pain clinic - a multispecialty clinic - often associated with  a large hospital or university group.  It sounds like there is some irritation of a superficial sensory nerve which may represent a form of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

[Luvs2live]

Thank you VERY much for answering my question.  At least this gives me something to work with and pursue.  I was hoping to treat this without meds or anymore surgical intervention but this gives me something to work with.  Thanks again!