I had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery done. I was told Cauterizing equipment would be used during surgery. I was nt given any details further than that and did not know any questions to ask. On my way in to surgery they stopped and said I had to take off my wedding ring because I would be burned from the electric equipment GROUNDED to the table for the cauterizing equipment. Days alter my left thigh began to burn and feel dead, I'd brush against something -oh, no I didn't that's just the numb flesh feeling like something brushed against me. Feels like burning worms squiggling through the flesh from knee up side of leg. Hot pins and needles, dead areas of numbness. After a week of this not improving I did research and learned about the aftereffects of this surgery and nerve problems in the left leg. The cause being a result of the electrical equipment for cauterization and a thigh pad placed on -guess- the left thigh. It appears the problem can be from faulty equipment, incorrect grounding, or other things. But essentially your leg is being electrically nerve damaged during the surgery. And NO warnings about this from the medical staff.
So I called the surgeon. I was told by receptionist it had nothing to do with my surgery. I told her flat out that was bs. No problems going in. Come out with nerve problems in my leg and that i had been warned about the use of electricity and grounding ONLY when I still had my ring on. I wanted them to fix it, give me a solution.I said I didn't know if it could be a blood clot either. She went to the doctor who I could here tell her it was nothing to do with them. I again refuted this and insisted I be contacted. Another conversation and she said 'he'll call you tomorrow'. As of now, it's been a month and I have yet to hear from this doctor or any medical staff in his office. When I called I was given to receptionists who repeated the lies. Which i refuted. I asked them to help me and fix this. I received no help. I was told during my last call the doctor would decide if a ultrasound should be done. I never heard back on that at all. It was clear to me this doctor had no intention of helping me or admitting that the problem occurred during the surgery. I have not spoke to a single medically certified member of his staff since this began. I believe that is intentional on their part. The hospital provided a followup call with a nurse who i have informed of everything and I have an appointment to see her.
I have documented every day the pain and problems and responses or non responsiveness of this office and its staff. If they have given me permanent nerve damage I will be taking legal action. DOCUMENT your problems, always! As it is i will NEVER see this doctor again for his complete and utter lack of concern for post care or attempting to dodge a lawsuit. It is absolutely inexcusable.
So I called the surgeon. I was told by receptionist it had nothing to do with my surgery. I told her flat out that was bs. No problems going in. Come out with nerve problems in my leg and that i had been warned about the use of electricity and grounding ONLY when I still had my ring on. I wanted them to fix it, give me a solution.I said I didn't know if it could be a blood clot either. She went to the doctor who I could here tell her it was nothing to do with them. I again refuted this and insisted I be contacted. Another conversation and she said 'he'll call you tomorrow'. As of now, it's been a month and I have yet to hear from this doctor or any medical staff in his office. When I called I was given to receptionists who repeated the lies. Which i refuted. I asked them to help me and fix this. I received no help. I was told during my last call the doctor would decide if a ultrasound should be done. I never heard back on that at all. It was clear to me this doctor had no intention of helping me or admitting that the problem occurred during the surgery. I have not spoke to a single medically certified member of his staff since this began. I believe that is intentional on their part. The hospital provided a followup call with a nurse who i have informed of everything and I have an appointment to see her.
I have documented every day the pain and problems and responses or non responsiveness of this office and its staff. If they have given me permanent nerve damage I will be taking legal action. DOCUMENT your problems, always! As it is i will NEVER see this doctor again for his complete and utter lack of concern for post care or attempting to dodge a lawsuit. It is absolutely inexcusable.
I dont know if you will respond but did this ever get better for you. I have headaches and dizziness and leg pain.
I had my gallbladder removed on 5/15/23 and an umbilical hernia repair. I was sent home in compression stockings and compression devices. I took them off later that night. The next day and still today I have left thigh numbness. Called surger on and they said nothing they did and call PCP. They gave me steroids 40 mg for 3 days. No relief and I’m scared.
Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello.
Numbness in the left thigh after gallbladder removal and hernia repair could have several possible causes. Here are a few potential explanations:
Nerve irritation or damage: During surgery, nearby nerves can sometimes be irritated or damaged, leading to numbness or altered sensation. It's possible that a nerve was affected during your procedure, causing the numbness.
Positioning during surgery: Surgery often involves specific positioning of the body, which can sometimes put pressure on nerves or restrict blood flow to certain areas. This could result in temporary numbness or altered sensation.
Compression stockings and devices: Wearing compression stockings and devices can sometimes cause temporary numbness or altered sensation due to pressure on nerves or blood vessels. However, it's unusual for this numbness to persist for several days.
Since the numbness has persisted for several days despite taking steroids, it's important to follow up with your primary care physician (PCP) as recommended by the surgical team. Your PCP can further evaluate your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to determine the underlying cause of the numbness. They may also order additional tests or refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, if necessary.
Keep us updated!
Numbness in the left thigh after gallbladder removal and hernia repair could have several possible causes. Here are a few potential explanations:
Nerve irritation or damage: During surgery, nearby nerves can sometimes be irritated or damaged, leading to numbness or altered sensation. It's possible that a nerve was affected during your procedure, causing the numbness.
Positioning during surgery: Surgery often involves specific positioning of the body, which can sometimes put pressure on nerves or restrict blood flow to certain areas. This could result in temporary numbness or altered sensation.
Compression stockings and devices: Wearing compression stockings and devices can sometimes cause temporary numbness or altered sensation due to pressure on nerves or blood vessels. However, it's unusual for this numbness to persist for several days.
Since the numbness has persisted for several days despite taking steroids, it's important to follow up with your primary care physician (PCP) as recommended by the surgical team. Your PCP can further evaluate your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to determine the underlying cause of the numbness. They may also order additional tests or refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, if necessary.
Keep us updated!
Thanks for responding it’s 5/27 and the numbness is still there. The surgeon absolutely refutes that she did any damage. My PCP says it will take time. The sensation is horrible and feels like things crawling on me worse at bed time or sitting. Was not expecting this. Really frustrating and I don’t know if I should seek legal advice or not. I’ve had 10 operations including two c sections and never had any like this happen.
Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello again.
One possibility is that the numbness is related to nerve irritation or damage during the surgery. This can happen due to the positioning of your body during the procedure or due to other factors. However, it's important to note that complications like this are relatively rare.
Sometimes, nerve-related symptoms can take time to resolve after surgery. The initial treatment approach often involves conservative measures, such as giving it time to heal and monitoring any changes. The steroid medication prescribed by your PCP may have been an attempt to reduce inflammation around the nerves.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, it might be worth seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional. They can evaluate your condition and provide you with further guidance. If you are considering legal advice, it's essential to consult with a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice cases to assess the specifics of your situation.
Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns, symptoms, and any changes you experience. They are best positioned to offer you appropriate advice based on your medical history and current condition.
Hope you will get relief soon!
One possibility is that the numbness is related to nerve irritation or damage during the surgery. This can happen due to the positioning of your body during the procedure or due to other factors. However, it's important to note that complications like this are relatively rare.
Sometimes, nerve-related symptoms can take time to resolve after surgery. The initial treatment approach often involves conservative measures, such as giving it time to heal and monitoring any changes. The steroid medication prescribed by your PCP may have been an attempt to reduce inflammation around the nerves.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, it might be worth seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional. They can evaluate your condition and provide you with further guidance. If you are considering legal advice, it's essential to consult with a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice cases to assess the specifics of your situation.
Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns, symptoms, and any changes you experience. They are best positioned to offer you appropriate advice based on your medical history and current condition.
Hope you will get relief soon!
This exact thing happened to me on 5/15/2023. Doctor said she’d never heard of it and I showed her this website. She just sent me to see a neurologist and brushed it off and said she wasn’t concerned. Flabbergasted. I may have to hire an attorney also. I feel like worms or something is crawling inside my thighs. Insane .
I have an appointment to see a neurologist in July. Still numb. Will write back after that visit.