Concern Over Potential Nerve Damage After Surgery
Greetings, I am reaching out for guidance regarding my 14-year-old son, who recently suffered a broken elbow along with significant fractures in other areas. I have been struggling to gather consistent information from various medical professionals about his condition. This situation has been quite distressing for him as he is unable to participate in basketball or other sports, and I worry about the impact on his mental well-being. I am particularly anxious about the potential long-term effects of any nerve damage that may have occurred during his surgery. To elaborate, during the procedure to place a plate in his left arm, I was informed that the complexity of the surgery led to the plate making contact with a nerve. After the operation, my son mentioned experiencing an unusual sensation in his hand. Upon further examination by the doctor, we discovered that he is unable to lift his fingers—not even slightly. He can manage to wiggle them, but they hang down, reverting back to that position immediately after I let go of them. Now, two weeks post-surgery, he has expressed feelings of frustration and has been experiencing a burning sensation in his thumb, especially at night. This discomfort seems to have begun this week. Initially, the surgeon mentioned that if a nerve is ‘shocked’, it typically regains function within a few days. However, a specialist nurse contacted me the following day with concerns, suggesting we return for further evaluation as she sensed that something might be amiss. Moreover, another doctor from the hospital informed me that it could take as long as 12 months to determine whether the nerve damage is permanent or merely a temporary reaction to the surgery. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others in a similar situation.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 12:02:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your son's situation; it's completely understandable to be anxious given the complexities of his injury and surgery. Here's a brief overview of the main points regarding nerve damage after his elbow surgery, followed by actionable next steps.
Summary of Concerns:
- Nerve Function Post-Surgery: Nerve damage can be a concern after surgical procedures, particularly if the nerve was in contact with hardware like a plate.
- Symptom Monitoring: Your son’s symptoms of finger movement difficulties and burning sensations in his thumb are important to monitor.
- Recovery Timeline: Nerve recovery can vary widely, and while some improvement may occur within weeks, it can take up to a year to accurately assess long-term outcomes.
Explanation:
When a nerve is "shocked" or impacted during surgery, the results can range from temporary issues to more permanent damage. The fact that your son can wiggle his fingers is a positive sign, as it indicates some nerve function remains. However, his inability to lift his fingers and the new burning sensation may indicate additional issues needing attention.
Next Steps:
-
Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: It’s vital to revisit the surgeon or a specialized neurologist to conduct a thorough assessment of your son's nerve function. Alert them to the new burning sensation and the changes in finger movement.
-
Physical Therapy Consideration: If not already recommended, inquire about starting hand and arm therapy. A physical therapist can offer exercises to help improve strength and coordination and potentially aid nerve recovery.
-
Pain Management Support: Discuss with healthcare providers about appropriate pain management strategies for the burning sensation in your son’s thumb, especially at night. This can include options such as medications or specific therapies.
-
Monitoring Changes: Keep a simple diary of your son’s symptoms—documenting any changes in sensation, finger movement, or pain. This information will be valuable for his medical team.
-
Emotional Support: Ensure your son has space to express his frustrations and anxieties regarding his recovery. Engaging in activities that he enjoys (even if they are not physical) could help maintain his mental well-being during this challenging time.
It’s important to keep proactive communication with healthcare providers and seek timely evaluations for any worrying symptoms. Your attentiveness to both the medical and emotional aspects of your son’s recovery is crucial, and you're clearly advocating well for him. Let me know if you have further questions or need more guidance!
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Chest X-Ray Results
36-year-old male, 200 pounds, standing at 5'11". I do not smoke and have no significant health history to report. For the past few months, I've experienced a daily cough. I visited my physician last Friday, where I received x-ray results indicating an area of opacity. This has raised some worries for me, and I'm seeking opinions while I await my next appointment. Given my father's recent cancer diagnosis, I feel more anxious than usual, and normally, I wouldn’t consult a doctor over a single cough. I appreciate any insights from others regarding this matter.
Considering a Return to the Emergency Room
This month, I've already visited the emergency room three times, the latest visit triggered by sudden paralysis in my right leg. The previous two occasions were due to anaphylaxis and a double kidney infection, which is presently being addressed. The paralysis I’m experiencing stems from multiple bulging discs in my spine, and unfortunately, the situation is worsening. I’m aware that further scans are unlikely to reveal any new information, yet the pain continues to escalate. The pain relief options available at home are inadequate; I am in severe distress. It feels foolish to contemplate another ER visit, yet I truly feel cornered with no alternatives and am unsure of how to cope. My recent interactions with healthcare providers have been disappointing. They indicated that my paralysis might not improve until surgery, an option that is months away. Three days have passed since the onset of my paralysis, yet I still lack the ability to move. I was reassured that my condition was normal and discharged on the same day, but none of this feels right. I’m even contemplating seeking care at a different hospital due to the intensity of my suffering, which can easily be rated at a 9 out of 10. This ordeal has stripped away much of my independence. All I crave is a brief respite from this overwhelming agony. I currently experience complete loss of sensation, reflexes, sensory perception, and movement starting from my upper hip area, though I can still feel a pulse in my foot. I retain control over my bladder functions, thankfully. Regarding medications, I’m prescribed the following: - Toradol three times daily, either orally or via intramuscular injection - Baclofen or tizanidine three times a day - Cyclobenzaprine every night - Ipratropium three times daily - Famotidine once daily - Testosterone once weekly As for my medical conditions, they include: - Degenerative disc disease - Bulges at L3-4 and L4-5 - Bilateral occipital neuralgia - Levoscoliosis - Complex regional pain syndrome - Functional neurological disorder - Chronic multilevel facet hypertrophy in the lumbar region - Post-surgical pain from my open hip surgery in November 2024 (currently masked by paralysis)
Concerns Regarding Thyroid Nodules: Seeking Insights
Subject: 33-Year-Old Male During a recent consultation, I experienced a full sensation while swallowing, which prompted imaging studies. These investigations revealed the presence of three nodules in my thyroid gland, with the most significant measuring approximately 1.7 cm and classified as TIRADS category 4. I am reaching out to gather perspectives from any medical professionals regarding the potential characteristics of these nodules. Specifically, do they appear more likely to be benign or malignant? While I understand that you cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, I would appreciate your estimates based on their appearance. I have a fine needle aspiration (FNA) scheduled for this week, and I am simply curious about what the imaging suggests. Thank you for your insights!
General Anesthesia for Removal of a Lipoma in the Lower Back
A 30-year-old male, standing 5’10” and weighing 225 pounds, presents with no significant health concerns. He has endured persistent back pain since the age of 15, which he has managed intermittently through physical therapy. While the therapy offers temporary relief, it fails to address the underlying issue. Common advice he receives includes strengthening his core and increasing flexibility. Coinciding with the onset of his back discomfort, he also became aware of a lipoma located on his lower back. Throughout his life, he was assured that such growths were not associated with back pain. Now at 30, after beginning a career in nursing, he recognizes that his back pain is unusual and warrants further examination. Initially, at age 15, he underwent X-rays focused on his lumbar and sacroiliac areas, both of which yielded normal results. His perspective shifted upon reading about individuals experiencing similar pain linked to their lipomas. Seeking clarity, he consulted his brother, a third-year radiology resident, who confirmed that lipomas could indeed be a source of discomfort. The nature of his pain is localized to the right side of his lower back, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches from the spine, near the area commonly referred to as the dimples of Venus. He describes the sensation as a constant ache that does not radiate into his legs, and there is no accompanying numbness or tingling. The discomfort manifests as significant stiffness and soreness, particularly noticeable in the morning, exacerbated by prolonged sitting or walking. This side feels perpetually tense and unstable. Following an X-ray of the sacroiliac joint that also returned negative results, an ultrasound was conducted to verify the presence of the lipoma, which measured 1.4 x 1.2 x 2.2 cm. Based on the findings, the radiologist suggested surgical intervention, which led him to request a consultation with a surgeon. He anticipated being informed that the lipoma was unlikely the source of his pain. Upon entering the examination room, the surgeon mentioned he had heard about the lumps on his back. After examining the area, he swiftly agreed to proceed with the removal, surprising the patient. The surgeon, who had considerable experience, asserted that while this phenomenon typically isn’t documented in textbooks, he had encountered numerous cases where removing lipomas relieved patients of chronic low back pain with unremarkable imaging results. He informed the patient that general anesthesia would be utilized during the procedure, which would last approximately two hours from the beginning of IV administration until waking up. However, the patient expressed concern as his brother, who tends to prioritize textbook guidelines, had previously stated that general anesthesia would generally not be used. Initially dismissing the idea when the patient mentioned his girlfriend's mother’s understanding of the procedure, the brother was taken aback when updated on the surgical consultation outcomes and the anticipated duration. The discussion also covered potential reasons for the length of the procedure, including the need for thorough removal due to the possibility of the lipoma fragmenting, with some methods involving cauterization. Emphasizing that the planned sedation is true general anesthesia rather than twilight sedation, the patient, as a nurse, acknowledges that while using general anesthesia isn’t the preferred route, it remains a safe option. He questions the typicality of employing general anesthesia for lipoma excision on the back and considers whether remaining conscious during the procedure is preferable, particularly as the lipoma is not visible without palpation. The surgeon may have valid concerns regarding patient movement during the operation. Moreover, the brother didn’t feel an MRI was necessary, given the absence of nerve-related symptoms, positing that severe arthritis would manifest on an X-ray. The patient voiced worries about conditions like ankylosing spondylitis due to morning stiffness, but was reassured that any such significant changes would be evident on an X-ray, noting that his posture appeared unaffected. He remains convinced that the lipoma is the cause of his issues, particularly since the pain feels as though it emanates from it, and it has not changed in size over the past 15 years.
Understanding Lyme Disease Test Results
A 28-year-old female, currently on Prozac and Lamictal (with normal lab results for Lamictal levels), reported negative results on a pregnancy test. She has a history of anxiety and mood disorders but with no additional complications. For nearly three weeks, she has dealt with ongoing nausea without any episodes of vomiting. Headaches have been a recurring issue, accompanied by periods of lightheadedness and dizziness. There have been three instances of intense nausea that did not lead to vomiting, all while experiencing continuous mild nausea in between these episodes. Her medical visits include one at urgent care and two trips to the emergency room (ER). During the initial ER visit, she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and was prescribed oral Zofran, with lab results within normal limits (WNL). The subsequent visit at urgent care indicated that it likely was not a gastrointestinal infection, but the medical team could not determine the cause of her symptoms. Again, her lab tests came back WNL, with no indications of liver or pancreatic issues, and she received more Zofran. Following up with a physician assistant virtually, the provider suggested that her symptoms were improving, possibly indicating a GI bug. However, the next day, she encountered severe nausea again, which lasted several days, prompting another ER visit. Fortunately, there were no immediate concerns, and she was treated with a GI cocktail and prescribed Compazine. During her second ER visit, a Lyme disease screening was performed, yielding the following results: - Lyme Disease Serology for IgM: Positive - Lyme Disease Serology for IgG: No value present (due to the positive result for IgM) - B. burgdorferi IgG Immunoblot: Negative, showing no bands - B. burgdorferi Antibody IgM Immunoblot: Negative, no significant bands detected (notably, a positive result is indicated when 2 or more of the bands - 23, 39, 41 dKa - are present). While her white blood cell (WBC) count was normal, there was a slight increase noted in her neutrophils at 77.5%, and a slight decrease in lymphocytes at 15.1%, with absolute neutrophils reported at 7.6. The attending physician noted the possibility of an infection but did not elaborate further. With the IgM serology showing positive results but other immunoblot tests returning negative findings, there is some confusion as to whether this implies the overall Lyme disease screen is negative. She was informed she would receive a call if any of the results were abnormal, leading her to assume that the screen might be considered negative despite the initial positive IgM result, leaving her uncertain about its implications.