I had a C-Section and was unable to move my right leg after surgery. It's now been 2 months. Please Help?

Question

I HAD A C-SECTION ON MAY 9,2006. I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 4 DAYS. ON THE THIRD DAY AFTER I WAS TAKEN OFF THE MORPHINE DRIP, I STARTED HAVING CHARLEY HORSES IN MY RIGHT LEG. THEN THE NEXT MORNING IN THE HOSPITAL I WOKE UP AND MY LEG WOULD NOT BEND AT MY KNEE. IT WAS VERY SWOLLEN. I STILL CAN NOT BEND IT TWO MONTHS LATER. I'M UNABLE TO BEND MY LEG AT ALL AND JUST RECENTLY AFTER PHYSICAL THERAPY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HOLD UP MY LEG A LITTLE BIT. I CAN NOT RIDE A BIKE, I HAVE TO BARS IN MY BATHROOM NOW, IT'S BEEN VERY SCARY AND PAINFUL. THEY NOW HAVE ME GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SAY I DON'T NEED TO WORRY WITH HOW IT HAPPENED. I HAD AN EPIDURAL AND WAS ABLE TO PULL BOTH MY KNEES TO MY CHEST. AFTER SURGEY TWO DAYS LATER AFTER I GOT ALL MY FEELING BACK, MY RIGHT LEG WOULD NOT MOVE. WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD HAVE HAPPENED? I WAS PARALIZED FROM THE EPIDURAL FROM MY CHEST TO MY TOES FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS. I WAS UNABLE TO FEEL ANYTHING OR MOVE ANY OF THOSE BODY PARTS FOR HOURS. PLEASE HELP

wldntulike_2, thank you for your response but I'd like to add, I'm not online doing nothing about it. I've had a doppler to check for a blood clot, and MRI, a Cat Scan, been to the emergency room twice. The response was something had to have happened during surgery. FROM the MRI according to the bone specialist it looks like someone that was involved in a horrific car accident and my leg smashed up against the dash or a major sporting event. Believe me I am doing something and keeping a huge file on everything and everyone I have seen. Again, thank you for your response but I'm not an idiot.

Answer 1

I am glad that you are keeping a record of what has happened to you. If I were you I would also be seeking the help of a lawyer right now if you haven't already done that. Sounds to me that someone made a major Boo Boo with your surgery. I have had two C-sections myself and I have never come close to experiencing what you are going through. My prayers go out to you and your child. I hope that you make a speedy recovery and sue their @#$ off!!!!

Answer 2

Why are you on the Internet asking what to do? If I had numbness in an extremity for more than 3 days I would be in a specialists office asking for tests to be run, not online doing nothing about it. If it's nerve damage, PT will only do so much. There are special medications you can take for nerve pain and there are tests/procedures that can determine where your injury is originating. Having an epidural during pregnancy allows you to be pain-free or mostly pain-free since your nerves are shut down and therefore you are numb from the location of the epidural, down. There is always a chance of nerve damage or slight nerve injury - that is why you signed informed consent. Talk to your primary physician and have him refer you to a specialist who can find out where your pain is originating and if he expects it to be a long or short-term issue. I would also consider changing MD's as he isn't or wasn't able to give you the simplest of ways to fix your problem - which is CALL SOMEONE ELSE.

Answer 3

I had an emergency c-section in May '05. The nurse failed to catheterize me after my epidural causing nerve damage to my bladder. Also, the surgeon cut an artery during the surgery (I almost bled to death) and now I'm anemic.

Bottom line . . . get an attorney. Statute of limitations for medical malpractice runs out in two years (May 9, 2008, to be exact).

Good luck and don't give up hope!

Answer 4

i had a c section -and an epidural too--my left leg was numb for months and i couldnt walk -i found out it was nerve damage from the epidural--the good news is that it eventually repaired itself-dont worry too much,with time it should be ok

Answer 5

i believe i would be seeing a lawyer for advice. Maybe try another physician or specialist also.