3 weeks ago I had a laminectomy onL2-L4. The dr said it was unusual to do 4 discs at once but that was what I needed. This was my 4th back surgery. The surgery was immediately a great success. Among other parts being pain free now I haven't had a headache since the surgery and I have had a headache every day for 30 plus years. Now for my problem. A week after surgery my right, or good, leg got a pinched nerve and a week and a day I woke up with a massive bruise on my right calf. I have had an epidural for the pinched nerve and it is helping that. But the bruise has made my leg hurt from my hip to my toes. I am loosing the functionality of my right foot. The pain is unbearable and worse than I hurt before the surgery. Where did this bruise come from? I did not hit anything and it is not a blood clot.
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Hello.
I'm sorry to hear about the complications you're experiencing following your laminectomy. It's quite concerning that you've developed a significant bruise and are experiencing a loss of functionality in your right leg, along with severe pain. These symptoms are serious and need to be addressed promptly.
Bruising after surgery can sometimes occur due to various reasons. While it's not common to see a large, unexplained bruise appear postoperatively, it's not impossible. This could be related to minor trauma during the surgery that wasn't immediately apparent, or it could be a result of a postoperative complication. The pinched nerve in your right leg could be related to swelling or changes in your back post-surgery. Since you've already had an epidural for this, it indicates that your medical team is addressing it, but it's essential to continue monitoring its effectiveness.
The decreasing functionality in your right foot, accompanied by severe pain, are significant symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These issues could be related to nerve compression or other complications stemming from your recent surgery. It's reassuring that a blood clot has been ruled out, as this is a critical concern following any surgical procedure.
You should inform your surgeon or spine specialist about these developments as soon as possible. They need to assess whether these symptoms are expected postoperative complications or if there's a more serious issue at play. A neurological evaluation might also be necessary given the involvement of a nerve and the loss of foot functionality. This can help to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms and guide the best course of action. Additionally, your doctor might recommend imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to assess any changes in your spine or surrounding tissues that could be impacting your nerves.
It's also important to address your current pain levels. If your current pain management regimen isn't effective, this needs to be communicated to your healthcare provider. Keep a close watch on any changes in your symptoms, especially if there's increased numbness, weakness, or if the pain worsens.
The origin of the bruise and the associated symptoms might be multifactorial, considering your recent surgery and history of back problems. It's essential that your healthcare team reviews these symptoms in the context of your recent surgery and overall health history. While some postoperative pain and discomfort are not uncommon, the severity and nature of your symptoms, particularly the unexplained bruise and loss of functionality in your foot, warrant prompt medical evaluation.
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