Hello. Some background......I had to have a vitrectomy to correct a retina detachment on my right eye on 10/1/18. They had to put a gas bubble in my eye which required me to position on my left side. I had to lay with my head pointing inwards towards the mattress. I had to do this for 3 weeks (2 weeks down 2 hours up for 15, 1 week down 2 hours up 2 hours). I still have the gas bubble and only am positioning for when I sleep. The results of the surgery are so far positive.
Now since the surgery I have numbness in my right hand fourth and fifth fingers, and a little bit to the outer palm of my hand. I am not sure if this is from the positioning I had to do, it started within a few days of the surgery. I have no pain other than a very occasional ache in my right forearm. I can move the fingers fine, strength is good, can feel things although fingertips are I would guess 60 percent numb.
One thing to note is that the iv prior to surgery was started in the back of my hand. When they injected the anesthesia (propofol) I felt intense pain in the same area of my hand that is now numb and tingly. Before I could say anything to them I was unconscious. I have since discussed with the anesthesiologist who said that what I experienced before being put under was normal. He thought a nerve may have been nicked when doing the IV and that it will take time to heal. So far it hasn't gotten any better or worse that I can tell.
Saw my GP and have gotten a referral to a neurologist in a couple weeks. Has anybody had any experience with an IV nicking a nerve? I guess I will find out more in a couple weeks. Thank you, Jim