First day back to work, nerve severed on accdnt any input is appreciated pls - Foot Problems Message Board

Rachel1972 · 11-05-2008, 11:26 PM

What happened below for those who don't know.

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I had a fairly simple procedure done 6 weeks ago to remove an implant out of my right ankle, while my Dr. was performing the surgery he severed my. He informed my husband and myself right after the surgery was completed. He does not seem optimistic at all and, I hate talking to him about it cause I feel bad for him (I know crazy huh) he always looks so sad and guilty feeling. I feel good talking on a forum cause here I can speak the truth and not make anyone feel bad. I really like my doctor and I have to say it happens no ones perfect. I live in an extremely small town so I don't have many options on who to talk to, cause I don't want any troubles for my Dr.

In March I had a tear in my flexor digitorum longus tendon and another one on my posterior tibial tendons, they were repaired and attached to each other to make it one strong tendon instead of 2 weak ones, that is also when the implant was put in.

I have had pain since the 2nd surgery 6 weeks ago, and I think the nerve section that's still attached is inside my scare tissue from the incision site, it hurts if I extend my foot forward, and when I lay down in bed the sheets even cause pain. I have tried amatriptoline and it did not help at all. I sometimes have an extreme itch on the portion of my foot that I can not feel but, scratching it does nothing, very annoying and mentally frustrating. I can not feel a large portion of the top of my foot or my 3 smallest toes, I can feel half of my middle toe.

I work in Law Enforcement and am on our SWAT team, I return to work on Nov. 5th and I'm scared as hell, I don't think I will ever be able to do our SWAT drills like this cause I fear the pain I will suffer that night. I have to be able to respond to emergencies very quickly and that involves running...

I also have 2 horses that I have only ridden 3 times in 6 weeks, and I have to just watch other people enjoy them do the the pain I might have to go through that night, and one I had just started breaking.

When I know I'm going to stand for longer periods of time I notice I keep my bad foot on top of my good foot I guess kinda like how a horse rests one foot at times, but I do it always. I am surprised I still have a good foot with all the stuff my left foot has been through since March trying to keep weight off the right one.

My questions are :

What is the worse possible thing it could lead to? I have read some scary stuff online about ulcers and stuff.

What are some options I might have to help with the pain?

How long will this pain be present?

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Today was my first day back at work, "full duty" sigh* can you say ouch..I feel like a fool for returning to work...

I am getting so depressed I don't even know how to think anymore

hurts2walk · 11-06-2008, 08:38 AM

I am very sorry for your pain. I had tarsal tunnel surgery years ago because I had nerves that were entrapped...but NOT severed! I know what nerve pain is and it is horrible to say the least. I understand when you say the sheets even hurt to touch your foot.

Have you tried other meds like neurotin or lyrica? (hope I spelled those right)

I know it hurts but have you tried massage? That has helped me recently after my tendon transfer/calcaneal osteotomy surgery. I had some bad nerve pain and still do. But the massage has helped. It hurt to rub it at the start but it has gotten better. You have to really rub it hard...that is advice from my doc.

No one can know what really helps unless they have been there so I am just throwing things out there. I am not a doctor obviously. I feel bad for you. Is there any way you can see another doctor for another opinion???