Ulnar nerve post op concerns,worried, please help!

[JoseeC]

In the past, I have had two ulnar nerve compression surgeries. Both were medial epicondylectomy with decompression. After a long period of time between each surgery, my symptoms came back. My second surgery he discovered my ulnar nerve was curling up and crushed under heavy scar tissue near the funny bone.

I recently went through my third surgery which was ulnar transposition surgery along with decompression of  my right elbow almost two weeks ago. Once again, my ulnar nerve was curled up and crushed under heavy scar tissue near the funny bone. He decompressed it and moved the nerve underneath fat. I think it's called subcutaneous transposition?

With all my surgeries, I experienced post op pain that eventually became better. However, this time I'm not sure if what I am experiencing is normal with the transposition surgery.  When I woke up in the recovery room I had intense pins n' needles in my little, ring finger and palm of hand below these two fingers. I figured this was due to the fact I just had surgery and due to the type of surgery, I had. Over several days these pins n' needles slowly became more intense. I also had a heavy or dead type feeling on top of my hand near the little and ring finger, worse at night.

I'm also experiencing a crushing type sensation, pain in my elbow. Almost like someone is squeezing the life out of my elbow or a large animal is stepping on it. This sensation comes and goes but several days ago it became so intense that I almost fell over. I have a high pain tolerance but this literally made me cry. It is now almost constant.

I did see the plastic surgeon for a follow up last week.He said this shouldn't be occuring since he moved the nerve  and plans on referring me to a pain clinic and physiotherapy.  Pain clinic wait time is a year, hopefully will get in sooner.

Is this crushing sensation normal after this type of surgery? Is it a typical sensation with nerves after surgery?  Thanks for your help!

[Dr_Nassim]

OK I fully understand these types of pain, your feeling is normal. the medication I mentioned, is very popular and not new at all but really good and well proved. try to dont drink alcohol during this type of nerve treatment.

[JoseeC]

Thank you for responding.

Unfortunately I am not better. I still have all the symptoms I described in my first post. I'm not seeing the surgeon until late next week for a follow up. I will try to get the medication you mentioned.

I had nerve conduction tests prior to all these surgeries which ranged from mild to severe. My nerve conduction test prior to this latest surgery showed mild compression.

I also had an MRI of the neck which came back normal. They did an MRI of the elbow which showed nothing. But when I was opened up my ulnar nerve was curling up and crushed by heavy scar tissue.

This crushing sensation is still present even when I take the pain meds. I can feel the sensation of pressure, crushing in my elbow, like someone is stomping on it.

[Dr_Nassim]

sorry for being late to answer I expect that now you are of course better, if not please take Carbamazepine 200 mg for pain management, your feeling is almost normal. Did you did a nerve study prior to your surgeries?

[midnightdoc]

I don't think I will have that surgery now. Sounds like it might get worse than it already is.