Matts numbness

My dad recently posted a question on this website concerning my post-op problem.  The information that we received was greatly appreciated.  Since then, I have seen my Dr. which has stirred up a couple more questions I was hoping to have help with.  

Quick update about my problem:  My shoulder would frequently dislocate causing a ligament tear.  I had surgery on my left shoulder to repair the torn ligament.  Since then, I have numbness on the outer part of my bicep and burning in the same area where the numbness is located.  I only have this burning when I stretch my arm in certain positions.  The burning occurs mostly when my arm is straight and then stretched.  

The information that we recieved said my problem sounds like nerve damage.  I have learned that nerve damage with my type of surgery is a possible risk (low %).  But my question is, how can you tell if the nerve damage is permanent or if it will eventually go away.  If the nerve damage will eventually go away, then I will just deal with it.  If the nerve damage is permanent, I feel like someone has made a mistake.  The Dr. today said that since I have a burning sensation that I could consider that as a good sign that the nerves are still entact and repairing themselves.  My next question was  "if the nerve was damaged beyond repair, would I still feel pain?"  He responded by saying "no pain what so ever".  Is this true? I would be better off if they had done more damage to the nerve than the little amount of damage they did (in his opinion)?  Also, my Dr. said there is no way to tell if there is permanent nerve damage vs. nerve damage that is healing itself.  My Physical Therapist deals with many shoulder surgeries and has never dealt or seen something like this.  I get the impression by my Dr. that he has never dealt with something like this either but acts like he has.  I have no doubt that he has dealt with numbness but not the burning that I am having.  

If someone could let me know what they think I should do I would greatly appreciate it.  The Dr. thinks I should give it 6 months (long) until I start to worry about it.  I think something serious might have happened but I am just not sure.  HELP!

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
There are no methods where you can tell whether it is permanent or temporary. You can do nerve conduction study's to find out the percentage of functionality of concerned nerve.
It takes time for nerve to heal; they regrow at a rate of 1mm/day. The only nerves that can regenerate are the nerves outside of the spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. The nerves in the spinal cord, once damaged, cannot regenerate. However, if the peripheral nerve is severely damaged or stretched it may never heal.
Yes the doctor is right in saying that presence of burning sensation suggests that nerves are intact, but it also says there is some nerve dysfunction.
I think you should concentrate on doing physical therapy by which you can avoid disuse atrophy of muscles due to nerve dysfunction.
Keep me informed if you have any other queries.
Bye.

[mrlittleseth]

Hi how are you doing?   I personally recommend Lyrica for Neuropathic Nerve Pain and also vitamin B12 helps those types of nerves regenerate as much as possible.  See A Neurologist if you'd like to have your nerves tested.  I Recommend the Extended release of the vitamin B12.   Opiates should always be a last resort but don't live your life in Misery.  Narcotics are ok just don't fall in love with them.  I have always said that drugs should not be taken unless they improve your quality of life.  I hope this was helpful.