post opertion - foot theraphy

[gerrygaston]

My wife underwent a lipoma operation last Feb,08.The lipoma was below the left knee and was removed from the back.The lipoma was about 4.5inc long and 2 inc wide. She thought it was just an oversize muscle until she underwent a scan.
During operation , the artery was cut and this complicated the whole operation. It took about two hours before a cardio-vascular doctor arreve and was able to sew back the operation. The firest two months was horrible. Pain relievers was given. She went into a two months physical theraphy that helped her walk.
After 6 months , she can now wald but not as she used to be. We can observef that the middle portion of the left foot is very thin. It seems that the tissues, muscle on the middle of the left foot is thinning out.
What is causing this? There is still pain in this area. Can the pain due to the less tissue in the area causing and the pain is caused by the  bones ? Whom do we consult? How about her diet ?

Thanks

[Tuckamore]

Hello Gerrygaston,

Your wife had a complicated surgery that was even more complicated when the artery was mistaken severed.. But you already know that.

Several things come to mind. First the lymphoma may have been attached to the muscle and part of it may have been removed. Second when the artery was severed the blood supply was no longer present to the limb and damage may have been done to the tissues. She probably has some atrophy to the remaining muscle.

I would guess that more physical therapy may help strengthen the remaining muscle. It is not uncommon following this type of procedure to have some atrophy,(loss of muscle tone), strength and function. I would consult with my PCP and ask for his opinion and a referral to the specialist that he suggests.

I wish you and your wife the very best. Please let us know how she is doing. Take Care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello and welcome to MH. It sounds as if there was more to the mis-hap of the operation than the Surgeons let on to. Is it possible that alon with cutting the Artery that they also cut some nerve and muscle along with it. A Surgeon can sew an Artery but when other things are involved like nerve and muscle then I think a Vascular Surgeon would be appropriate. Maybe it would be wise to seek out the Medical records of the Surgery. Then maybe you will have answers as to what is going on.

Take care and good luck,
Mollyrae