By bev50 | Jun 08, 2010
Source : http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology
I had my gallbladder removed almost 9 wks ago. I have a condition that I found on the web “Pain Clinic” that matches my symtoms (symptoms) exactly–the 5th, 6th or 7th intercostal nerves which radiate from the back around the chest wall to the front. It has gotten worse. Numbness, skin that feels like a 3rd degree sunburn, shooting pains, feels like a major side stitch under my ribs–my breasts are even sore. This is from my breasts to my waist in the front and from my shoulder blades to almost my waist in the back. I am scheduled for an EMC test in August–meanwhile my Neurologist increased my Gabapentin to 2700 mg/day. Her nurse said if I have Neuropathy, there is no cure. The surgeon, whom I saw Thurs, said there is NO WAY it was caused by the surgery–that there are no major nerves in the area of the largest incision below my breasts. My RN daughter says this is quite a coincidence that this started happening after the surgery. I hate feeling like this!
wenando
After I had my gallbladder out, I got gastroparesis ( delayed stomach emptying) from damage to the vagus nerve during surgery. Took me years and many tests to find out what was wrong with me. Of course the
surgeon didn’t want to know about my symptoms and was so unfriendly that I never returned with my complaints which is what he wanted. This is not what you have but I’m saying it’s possible to get damaged nerves during laproscopic surgery.
Hi Bev50,
I have the exact same symptoms as you. I had gallbladder surgery via key hole surgery 2.5 months ago.
I am in horrendous pain and spend all of my days laying on my back trying to get the most comfortable position.
My surgeon, completely did not want to know about my symptoms and try to say it was ‘all in my head’. I am currently trying to find a surgeon who can fix this, however i am in australia and am having no luck.
if you have found some one or something that helps please let me know.
I have contacted the dellon.com as the person above suggested, they do seem to be able to help me, but i don’t think i could survive the plane flight in this pain. Plus the costs involved. please get intouch with me.
I am in horrendous pain and spend all of my days laying on my back trying to get the most comfortable position.
My surgeon, completely did not want to know about my symptoms and try to say it was ‘all in my head’. I am currently trying to find a surgeon who can fix this, however i am in australia and am having no luck.
if you have found some one or something that helps please let me know.
I have contacted the dellon.com as the person above suggested, they do seem to be able to help me, but i don’t think i could survive the plane flight in this pain. Plus the costs involved. please get intouch with me.
Dr Sharma
To: bev50
Hi there. There is a possible intercostals damage associated with trochar insertion if it was a laparoscopic surgery or due to incision and retractors if it was an open conventional surgery. Recovery from this neuropathy is possible only if the damage was reversible like neuropraxia. Consult a pain physician who is a trained anesthesiologist to evaluate you and give you treatment options to alleviate the pain. Hope this helps. Take care.
kezza4878
Feb 22, 2011
Hi Bev,
I posted back in December. I still have not found a cure for my nerve damage. there are sub-costal nerves that lie along the rib cage near the top incision site so do not believe what the surgeon has told you. My nerve has either been cut or damage. they do not know. they will not operate in fear it will get worse. since i last posted i have seen a pain specialist who injected this top port site area with a steroid. this has given a lot of relief but i can not perform any duties still or lift any heavy items as it exaberates the pain tremedously. I still have been unable to return to work. it has now been 5 months from surgery with no signs of improvement. Take away the inj and pain killers the pain is just as severe as the day after surgery. I have since been told a nerve pulse stimulator may help but i would rather less invasive surgery if possible. if any one has found a cure for this nerve damage from the top port site please please please post a comment here asap. please. thank yo
More feedback from other groups –
Was told by a highly regarded Motility expert which stated that it is very likely that my GP was a result of my GB surgery. there were a ton of adhesions that he had to manuver around. My GI doc, and Lawyer are convinced that it was the cause.. Like someone else said on this thread. The vagus gets bangged around and such during surgeey. Plus it dont take much. Also, myself, and alot of others on here are in the same exact prediciment that you are. Docs stick up for other docs. Of course there gonna tell you it aint possible. Well, it is possible, and I’m living proof of that. My lawyer has just found out from many so-called “experts” that a vagul injury can be a risk of a lap GB. And you are right. It doesnt go near the GB. So, then hore is it a DAMN risk if your not even in tgat area?? I an extremly frustrated right now with Dr s, Surgeons, Lawyers, hell, all of em!! Buch of corrupt, greedy,people that have ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY!! Dont let then tell you its not possible..
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I agree, the anecdotal evidence is highly suspicious that gallbladder surgery is a cause of GP in many people. The disconnect that I see is the belief that vagus nerve damage is the only cause of GP. My research and others here shows it is not, it is but one of many possible causes. Perhaps some damage to the enteric nervous system, which is embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal system, happens during some surgeries. “The enteric nervous system (ENS) or Intrinsic nervous system is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that directly controls the gastrointestinal system in vertebrates.” “Vertebrate studies show that when the vagus nerve is severed, the enteric nervous system continues to function.” Wikipedia.
