I've recently (2 months ago) been operated on the removal of my pleura (4th Phneumothorax). I have numbness from the beginning of my post surgery, either due to nerves having been "touched", or "damaged", or because of the epidural.
Has anyone had this symptom, and how long did it last for you?
Hello from Montreal, Canada
Dan,
Hi Dan!
Honestly, don't worry. I had the same operation around 5-6 years ago and the 'tingly' numbness stretched from the middle of the front of my chest, all the way round to the back. This 'uncomfortable' numbness lasted around 8 months, and then the numbness fades more and more. I still have numbness around my scars (3 keyhole) if I press around the scar. However after a good year of healing it becomes unnoticable...you will not notice it eventually...
I hope this helps!
Nicky
Thanks Nicky for the reassurance. I'm positive enough to know that the numbness will eventually go away but this type of advice really helps. I feel much more tired during the day whereas before I would be very active.
"This too shall pass". Thanks again.
Cheers
Dan
Hey Dan,
I had the surgery a week ago in Montreal as well at the Jewish. Who was your surgeon?
I have numbness as well, plus ultra-sensitive skin (it is very unpleasant to put a t-shirt).
Sorry if I don't bring any reinsurance, I'll be leeching the answers you'll get since I'm in a similar situation.
Hello Nicky,
Sorry about not getting back. Got operated 5 months ago and my numbness was brought up this week at my doctor's appt. He says it happens and may take time to get resolved and may never get resolved. Very encouraging. It's just that it has not really diminished. I'm on Lyrca and my belly is really big for a skinny guy. Get the visual? Not sexy. I think the drug makes me more hungry, so I eat more. I try not to think about it too much but the symptoms are annoying. My energy level has also diminished for an active 50 yr old guy who feels 39.
Hello Vincent,
I was operated at the Mtl General by dr. Sirois. A great doctor but bedside manners are pathetic. Having issues with numbness on my breast and under my armpit. Hate the feeling and hope it goes away. Are you on any drugs? I'm on Lyrca but thinking of diminishing the dosage and seeing if I still have the electric shock feeling.
ciao.
Sirois operated me as well. I guess he's the official thoracic surgeon in town.
I didn't take any drug since I stopped the pain med two days after leaving hospital. Why do you take Lyrcra, is it pain med?
It sometime happens that nerves are serverly damaged or aggravated. Lyrca is an epeleptic drugs since the nerves shoots pain to the brain. I got that right after surgery. I am trying today to start diminishing my dose and see if the shooting pain is still there.
Question to all:
I have been on Lyrica for 5 months and wondering when to ween off of it. When my numbness goes away (which doesn't seem is about to happen)or when I Think the electric shocks will not return. i wonder if I ween off, if my electric shocks will return under my armpit and shooting over my breast (operated lung area).
Any answers?
Cheers from Montreal Canada.