Weak arms and hands

by Annie9841 27th January 2015, 7:24 pm

Hey,
I'm 1 week post op now and have been suffering with really weak arms and hands. It's like my hands feel tired and although I can make my hands do what I need them to do they feel uncomfortable and weak and have a weird feeling in them. I'm still wearing all the stupid tape and dressings which is so uncomfortable. Not sure if that's contributing to it. Has anyone else found this after their op? It's worrying me a bit. Thanks in advance x

by **mrsball** 27th January 2015, 7:34 pm

It's a combination do things, it can be a nerves been hit that gives a strange feeling in your arm and hand. Plus it's not just your arms you use to do things you use your chest muscles so as that's restricted it can give a feeling of weakness in your arms. X it's normal so early post op. X

by **mirren001** 27th January 2015, 7:36 pm

Swelling too can play havoc pressing on nerves causing these feelings, once the swelling goes things should improve.XXX

by Firecracker71 27th January 2015, 7:48 pm

Hey,

I had very similar thing which disappeared around day 9. I had two numb fingers after the op, the feeling kept coming and going but felt really tingly and weird. Surgeon said lots strange feelings can happen in hands after op and its either;
Swelling, nerves or bruising from where you were laying in same position on operating table. (he thinks mine was from my elbows being pressed against the table)

Hopefully it will clear up soon and your hands will start to feel normal again xx

by Annie9841 27th January 2015, 7:55 pm

Thank you for your replies. The feeling has been making me really anxious that there's something serious wrong because it's not something that I've read about. It's been unexpected. I've woken up a few times with my arms really numb and fingers stiff. Hate it. My pain hasn't been that bad really considering I had unders but these weird symptoms plus exhaustion and side effects from the drugs have been making it really hard.

by Annie9841 27th January 2015, 7:57 pm

Feel that the strapping might be affecting my circulation possibly too. It's digging in my armpits and feels quite tight. Don't get it off till Thursday.

by Firecracker71 27th January 2015, 8:34 pm

I would call your surgeon and let him know how you're feeling, he may be able to explain exactly why and put your mind at ease. I wouldn't worry and stress yourself out waiting for the next appointment, thats what they are there for and its what you have paid for x

by **COOKIE** 27th January 2015, 11:03 pm

Get yourself some cotton wool wadding for your strapping Annie and then use it to cushion out the areas that are sore or irritated such as under arms which is very common.

About the weakness of arms and hands - totally normal. After one of my ops it took all the strength I had just to flush the loo!

You do get stronger as each day passes but it is totally normal. yes