Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
134 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

On And Off Appetite, Numbness In Left Hand , Longer Recovery Time After Having Quadruple By Pass. Have Pacemaker Fitted. Help

Hi , I had a quadruple by-pass in May this year , but my recovery seems to be taking far longer than I was told , also my appetite comes and goes , also a pacemaker was fitted 2 weeks after the surgery. My left hand for the best part seems rather numb , I`m told the use will return , but it is now 4 months and it still is very troublesome , especially when washing my hands .
posted on Tue, 17 Sep 2013
Twitter Thu, 19 Sep 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 20 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Cardiologist,  's  Response
Dear patient,

Recovery after such a big surgery can indeed take months. Sometimes, nerves are damaged as part of the surgery and can lead to issues with numbness as you mention; specific physical therapy (hand therapy) can provide significant help, other patients try accupuncture with good results.

I would recommend specific physical therapy to expedite recovery.

Yours truly,


Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Cardiologist,  Dr. Anantharamakrishnan's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Injury or irritation of the nerve may be responsible. Incidental causes like cervical spondylosis and nerve root compression are common.
Neurologic consultation, MRI neck, Electromyograohy and Nerve conduction studies can help
The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.
Be in touch with your doctor - it is a question of time and you will be well.

Take care     
Wishing all well
God bless
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on MRI


Loading Online Doctors....
On And Off Appetite, Numbness In Left Hand , Longer Recovery Time After Having Quadruple By Pass. Have Pacemaker Fitted. Help

Dear patient, Recovery after such a big surgery can indeed take months. Sometimes, nerves are damaged as part of the surgery and can lead to issues with numbness as you mention; specific physical therapy (hand therapy) can provide significant help, other patients try accupuncture with good results. I would recommend specific physical therapy to expedite recovery. Yours truly, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Cardiology Mayo Clinic MN