Re: Neuralgia pain post-op

Posted By Jennifer on May 07, 1999 at 09:47:16
I recently had my gall bladder removed. The surgery was only supposed to be an hour but there were complications and the stone was too large so it turned into a 4 hour ordeal. I was in the hospital for a week. During that time and now, my left leg, upper thigh, has gone through periods of drastic numbness and extremely sharp pains....It still continues 3 weeks later. I have asked my doctor about it and he thinks it might be a "femoral nueralgia"? (sp?) what is this? and can it be helped? Are there any short term remedies that might alleviate some of the pain? Does walking help the leg or hinder it? Any help would greatly appreciated...

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on May 07, 1999 at 11:06:13
Dear Jennifer:
Sorry to hear about your gall bladder problems.  The usual way to remove a gall bladder is to use the laprascopic technique where they use small holes in the abdominal wall (usually 3) to remove the gall bladder.  If this was the procedure then I am not sure how your femoral nerve was involved.  If they used the more traditional surgical approach, I am also not sure how they would involve your femoral nerve.  What I am assuming, is that since your surgery was so long that the way you were positioned during surgery somehow impinged on your femoral nerve and traumatized it.  Usually, we would recommend that you take some anti-inflammatory medication, and allow the nerve to "cool" down.  Then, physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and promote range of motion.  I would see how much you can tolerate in the way of stretching and very mild exercise.  Increase both as you can tolerate until your back to normal.  Check with your PT, but you should do fine.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD











Follow Ups:


Neuralgia pain post-op Ron Palmer 5/25/1999
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Re: Neuralgia pain post-op nancy 6/24/1999
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Re: Neuralgia pain post-op CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/25/1999
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