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Nerve pain damage after hand surgery
I’m 12 weeks out from thumb surgery, LRTI, ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition. I’m experiencing severe burning and tingling and some numbness at the base of my thumb and into my lower hand. I’m hoping this is just the nerves recovering and it will go away gradually, but it is pretty hard to tolerate. I’m wondering if anybody has any advice on what to do to deal with the pain and also any advice on supplements to help my nerves to heal.
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Hello,
So sorry about what you’re experiencing; however, have you told the surgeon who performed your procedure an outside what’s going on and if it’s normal. You might also want to ask what you can do about it.
Wish you the best and take care,
gus
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2 ReactionsI have an appointment Monday. I will definitely ask questions and write an update.
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1 ReactionI was told that I need to desensitize my hand. Apparently it’s possible after hand surgery for the nerves to have to be retrained to what normal feels like. It’s quite a process. If anyone has this issue, look up desensitization of nerves in the hand. There is a lot of information out there on what to do. My scar area is very sensitive to anything touching it and my hand sweats for no reason. Also hot and cold feel extreme and everything feels weird, scratchy or sticky or slimy.
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1 Reaction@magicearth - I thought I would share a link to the information that you mentioned in case others would like to see it.
-- Hand Therapy for Hypersensitivity: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/hand-therapy-for-hypersensitivity
@johnbishop
Thanks, John
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1 Reaction@magicearth
I feel for you. I have neuropathy and 16 weeks ago I had shin shave biopsy which after about a month caused me lots of pain. I have been to several doctors and am told that healing process goes through phases i.e., remodeling. I did 8 weeks of physical therapy but found the 90 minute sessions too much. Since stopping them I have had less pain and can walk better. I also purchased new sneakers with more cushioning and that helped. Tomorrow I will go see an orthopedist in hopes of determining if possibly scar tissue is tethered to bone or nerve. Scar tissue can be a big deal and I am hoping I do not have to face another surgery to correct this. It sounds like your body is ultra-sensitive so proceed with caution. I found even putting ice on my shin affected my neuropathy. Hope you heal soon!
@arcuri24
Thank you. You inspired me to work harder at massaging the areas where I have scar tissue, in case that’s contributing to my issues.
@magicearth
We are in the same boat. Nerve pain can be very challenging. I went to see an orthopedic surgeon for my shin pain and they took an x-ray and did examine me. I am now cleared to run a marathon as there is no bone or tissue injury involved here. I was almost hoping that he would find something wrong as even fractures, though painful, are easier to treat than nerve pain. Be gentle with yourself when doing massage and I think it would be beneficial for both of us to try to occasionally do something to take our minds off our dilemma. We must be hopeful that we will heal in time-my pain comes and goes and there are plenty of folk who have constant pain--everyone has a different threshold where pain is involved. I may consider a cortisone shot down the road but must proceed with caution due to celiac disease and neuropathy. I will work on improving them as it may be the path to healing. I threw out my balsamic vinegar and all my Mrs. Dash yesterday as they are not gluten free. Wishing you a successful outcome!