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

[Ron-Palmer]

Posted By Ron Palmer on May 25, 1999 at 09:31:40
As I was browsing trying to find info about leg pain, my attention was caught by this question about post op numbness of the left thigh. I also had long gall bladder surgry in 1983 and have experienced a similar problem. There is an area about 4x6 inches that had a prickly numbness on the front of my left thigh. It would be more extreme at times and through the years has decreased. It is touch sensitive and the cold weather seems to effect it. My doctor at the time could never give an explanation and 16 years later now I am still bothered with it at times. The reason I was searching in this area of information is the last 5 days I have been experiencing a sharp, stabbing,searing hot pain on the front of my right thigh. It comes and goes suddenly but the intensity is very strong. Last night there was a 2 hour period when every few minutes it would strike. Then just as quickly went away without any reacuring pain so far today. I see no visable redness or swelling. There is no localised swelling or difference in size. I don't feel any lump or muscle soreness. I've tried elevating my leg and using Ice packs; standing sitting... no effect. I'm puzzled! Any clues???

[nancy__0__0]

Posted By nancy on June 24, 1999 at 00:58:26
I had the samething happen after cancer surgery. The doc said he moved a leg nerve to check for more cancer. It was burning pain then just real sore and senitive. It's been almost 5 weeks. Doctor said it could take 6 mos to a yr. It's a diamond shape area he said and it happens alot. Should get better, just the nerve is senitive for awhile.
good luck











Follow Ups: