nerve problems after disc replacement surgery

[majorlunch]

My fiance has just had a disc replacement surgery. It is now 7 weeks since the operation and he has one very swollen hot foot, and one very cold foot. He cannot walk very much because of the swollen hot foot. The doc has told him to wait another 3 weeks to see if it improves, but nothing has improved in the last 5 weeks, so I don't understand why he has to wait.

Please could you tell me why this has happened and what can be done to fix it!!! is this normal? Is there any chance it will still heal itself.

I am very worried it is just going to get worse. What do we do now???

[majorlunch]

many thanks, his specialist said it just needs time....we will go for 2nd opinion if no improvement in next couple of weeks.

[skmedlin27703]

I would maybe get a 2nd opinion for him... sounds like something is interrupting signals to and from the brain to his limbs... I would have another doctor take a look and give his take before there is any permanent damage or something... good luck....  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I would suggest getting this evaluated immediately at the ER since this could be a sign of developing DVT which can be dangerous. Other possibilities that may need to be ruled out are infections, inflammations, reflex sympathetic dystrophy etc. After a diagnosis had been established, this can be managed accordingly.
Hope this helps.

Take care!