Anesthesia, Resuscitation, and ICU: Q&A
in Health ·
I need urgent help because I am losing my mind.🙂
I gave birth six weeks ago via C-section under spinal anesthesia.
Everything seemed fine in the OR, though I do recall the anesthesiologist commenting that the block wasn't taking quite as expected initially; however, after a little while, it kicked in and the procedure concluded without issue...
But my nightmare truly began about 36 hours later. My arms and legs were terribly swollen, but I figured that was just standard postpartum stuff, so I didn't worry too much at first...
Then the tingling started in my limbs. Worst of all, whenever I touched anything—like picking up my phone—it felt like electric shocks were jolting through my arms and legs. I don't even know how to describe it properly, but it was like actual electrical strikes.
I went into a total panic. During the doctor's rounds, I explained the situation, and he concluded it was just a reaction to the spinal block. He told me it should subside within 40 days, and if it doesn't, I should see a neurologist...
Three days later, after returning home, those electric shock sensations stopped, but the tingling in my legs has become unbearable. The moment I sit down or lie down, it starts constantly, and it’s driving me crazy. My hands feel slightly better, but the sensation has changed; for instance, coarse fabrics feel much more intense against my skin than they used to...
I saw a neurologist who performed an EMG. It turns out I have chronic L5-S1 radiculopathy, which he suggested might be the cause of the tingling in my legs. As for my arms, his conclusion was simply that I am anxious.🙄
I have an appointment with a second neurologist in a few days,but I am asking anyone with experience: What went wrong here?
I found an old post by Dr. House where he mentions something similar, so I'm pasting it here:
The risks associated with the aforementioned blocks primarily include:
1) An allergic reaction to the local anesthetic (if you have received local anesthesia before, there is no cause for concern; if not, you will certainly notice it),
2) Accidental intravascular injection of the anesthetic (given the large volume used, this can lead to serious reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias, loss of consciousness, dizziness, limb tingling, or even seizures, depending on the specific agent. Most of these reactions can be halted or mitigated with medication, but they are extremely distressing for the patient, especially while trying to endure surgery),
3) Accidental injection into or injury of a nerve by the needle (this can leave lasting consequences in the form of paresthesia or numbness, discomfort, or a complete loss of sensation in the nerve's distribution area. This is avoided by performing the block under ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulation, and depends partially on your anatomy and, most importantly, the skill and experience of the anesthesiologist),
Is it possible that I damaged a nerve, and will this ever stop?
I gave birth six weeks ago via C-section under spinal anesthesia.
Everything seemed fine in the OR, though I do recall the anesthesiologist commenting that the block wasn't taking quite as expected initially; however, after a little while, it kicked in and the procedure concluded without issue...
But my nightmare truly began about 36 hours later. My arms and legs were terribly swollen, but I figured that was just standard postpartum stuff, so I didn't worry too much at first...
Then the tingling started in my limbs. Worst of all, whenever I touched anything—like picking up my phone—it felt like electric shocks were jolting through my arms and legs. I don't even know how to describe it properly, but it was like actual electrical strikes.
I went into a total panic. During the doctor's rounds, I explained the situation, and he concluded it was just a reaction to the spinal block. He told me it should subside within 40 days, and if it doesn't, I should see a neurologist...
Three days later, after returning home, those electric shock sensations stopped, but the tingling in my legs has become unbearable. The moment I sit down or lie down, it starts constantly, and it’s driving me crazy. My hands feel slightly better, but the sensation has changed; for instance, coarse fabrics feel much more intense against my skin than they used to...
I saw a neurologist who performed an EMG. It turns out I have chronic L5-S1 radiculopathy, which he suggested might be the cause of the tingling in my legs. As for my arms, his conclusion was simply that I am anxious.🙄
I have an appointment with a second neurologist in a few days,but I am asking anyone with experience: What went wrong here?
I found an old post by Dr. House where he mentions something similar, so I'm pasting it here:
The risks associated with the aforementioned blocks primarily include:
1) An allergic reaction to the local anesthetic (if you have received local anesthesia before, there is no cause for concern; if not, you will certainly notice it),
2) Accidental intravascular injection of the anesthetic (given the large volume used, this can lead to serious reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias, loss of consciousness, dizziness, limb tingling, or even seizures, depending on the specific agent. Most of these reactions can be halted or mitigated with medication, but they are extremely distressing for the patient, especially while trying to endure surgery),
3) Accidental injection into or injury of a nerve by the needle (this can leave lasting consequences in the form of paresthesia or numbness, discomfort, or a complete loss of sensation in the nerve's distribution area. This is avoided by performing the block under ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulation, and depends partially on your anatomy and, most importantly, the skill and experience of the anesthesiologist),
Is it possible that I damaged a nerve, and will this ever stop?