Pain and tingling in fingers 3 weeks after ulnar nerve repair

Three weeks ago, after falling on broken glass, I underwent surgery to repair my completely lacerated ulnar nerve, flexor tendon, artery and some blood vessels at the site of my palm.  Three weeks after surgery, whilst the pain in my incision has subsided, particularly after having my stitches removed, I am experiencing tingling, pins and needles, burning and shooting pains in my little finger which is worse at night and interferes with sleeping.  I do have some swelling around the scar which tingles when I touch it and prevents me from making a full fist as it feels as though there is an obstruction in my palm. What's really weird is my little finger and one side of my ring finger is STILL numb and the 10-20mg of amitriptylene I'm taking daily isn't really helping, just making me feel incredibly tired and emotional.

My question is: Is it normal to experience this sort of pain after ulnar nerve repair and, if so, how long will it go on for? Should I take all this horrible tingling and pain as a sign that my nerve is 'healing'? Are there any alternatives to amitryptylene (sic) ?  Thanks in advance...

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
What you are experiencing can be described normal. Since you had a lacerated  nerve, so now, following the repair, it maybe going regeneration or a neuroma formation which is causing these sort of vague symptoms.
Ulnar nerve supplies the 4th and the 5th fingers so the patters numbness is correctly co-relating with the nerve supply pattern.If your sleep is good then , amitripylene can be slowly tapered off.
Please continue on good nerve stimulant medicines, for a good early recovery (medicines rich in Cyacobalamine, Biotin, Lipoic acid, etc)..

Feel free to discuss more, in case of further clarifications required.
Regards..

[girlagogo]

Thank you, I feel alot better now that you have said that this is a normal response to having a repair following laceration.  The nerve stimulants rich in cyacobalamine, Biotin, Lipoic acid etc. that you mentioned...are these available as food supplements or would I have to be prescibed a medicine within which these are contained?

Thanks

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

You would required prescribed medicines for the same.