Thighs going numb post-surgery

by Brent
(Nelson B.C. Canada)

I just got out of the hospital 2 days ago for gallbladder problems and am waiting for my surgery appointment. I am on 2 different antibiotics, Metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. I didn't think anything of it at the time because I was on my back and not able to change my position that much. On the day I was discharged my right front thigh started to go numb with pins and needles plus burning. I thought it was just poor circulation. Now I have been home for 2.5 days and able to move around it has not gone away and is starting to happen in my left thigh too. Should this concern me?

Neuropathy Post-Surgery

Your pins and needles in the thigh area might be related to your antibiotics, particularly your Metronidazole. Both of these antibiotics can cause neuropathy symptoms which you describe. Neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerve that supplies the skin at the top of the thigh in your case. The other possibility is a neuropraxia or bruising of the nerve from your surgery, but this would seem less likely.

Can You Do Anything To Improve The Neuropathy?

Apart from stopping the antibiotics (this should only be done in conjunction with your surgeon or physician), there isn’t much else that you can do yourself. Obviously you need to keep an eye on the numb area as you won’t be aware of any damage or infection that may occur in the area. Good hygiene is also important. You do need to discuss this urgently with your drug prescriber.




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