Nerve Damage in right chest

[Dragon2010]

Hi All,

So I got surgery back in March to get some issues on my chest and rib-cage fixed. Since then I've had persisting numbness in the entire right side of my chest, in the shoulder and around my underarm running slightly onto my back. Now I've been told it's nerve damage but the extent is unknown.

At first it was only very small amount of numbness and I put it down to just part of the recovery but as time went on the numbness has escalated and I pretty much have no sensation there at all except constant numb/pins and needles sensation. The only area I feel anything is when I touch my nipple which is very very painful.

Now, It's affecting the range in my shoulder a fair bit and making my arm a task to use. I'm waiting to see a neurologist but that's not until a while (Big waiting list). I'm getting to the point where it's a major annoyance on my day-to-day activities and I'm sick of being drugged up on meds to just feel "normal".

Has anybody here every had nerve issues, damage.etc?
What did you do about it?
Did you get it repaired or did it go away?

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks heaps

 

[bileduct]

If the nerve damage is a result of the procedure itself then I have had something similar when I had non-cancerous fibrous masses around the size of a 50c piece removed from around both of my knees. That was around 5-6 years ago, but the numbness was localised to the area around the incisions. The sensation in those areas has improved over time, but it hasn't quite returned to what it was before the operation.

I also partially severed my right index finger about 18 years ago and one side of my finger also had a loss of sensation for a long time. It has almost returned to normal. It actually seems slightly more sensitive than my left index finger. The doc at the time told me that nerve regrowth was about 1mm/month.

In my case, however, it didn't get worse over time. I hope you are seeking medical treatment because this doesn't sound like a good situation at all.

Do you mind if I ask what the original chest/rib cage issue was? Granulomas? Costochondritis?

 

[Dragon2010]

Thanks for that.

In my case I had a deformity of the rib cage called pectus excavatum. I had my chest surgically repaired in a surgery called the nuss procedure and I now have a steel bar in my chest. Yes, From what I've found out the damage is most likely from the surgery as I've had no other trauma to the area.

I am looking at treatment, waiting to see the appropriate specialists.

 

[Hooch]

First thing you need is a (correct) diagnosis.

A GP can actually do a lot to progress your case along the waiting list if they choose.

Impress upon them that the situation is worsening.

If the wait is excessive (like a year), source a private consultation if you aren't already.

Source a second opinion as well.

Your symptoms sound quite debilitating. Remember in the medical system you will get nowhere being the strong and silent type.

My advice is to impress very forcefully but firmly onto your GP of the extent of your condition, without breaking into tears or getting angry. Same with your specialist.

You will find that the most important thing you can hold with a doctor is credibility. If you have no credibility with them they will not believe the extent of your symptoms and will not treat you appropriately.


From a quick google search it seems chronic pain can be associated with the Nuss procedure, due to a neuropathy.

If the nerves are trapped significantly only surgery will generally free them, if such a surgery is available.

If the nerves are damaged but in tact they can slowly regenerate over time (years), but this is a slow decrease of symptoms, not a gradual worsening of symptoms like you describe.

Chronic pain can range from an annoyance to a torture, and it is my hope that you are diagnosed, treated and things improve for you.

 

[bileduct]

Yeah what Hooch said.

I think a gradual worsening of symptoms should be enough to have you moved up the waiting list. It doesn't sound like something you want to wait too long over.

 

[Dragon2010]

Thanks for that.

Yup I've been in contact with my GP. Soonest I can get in to see the appropriate nerve specialist and look at any form of repair/treatment is early February, which is already under the private health scheme. This is not so much due to them being busy but the specialist I need to see being away for most of January.

I'm definitely not being the silent type and making them well aware of the situation and what I want done as it's put both my studies and work on hold which is affecting me career and progression wise.

Thanks again for all the replies. Really helpful.