Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/23/2008

Question
I am 37 and in good health.  I've had general anesthesia 30 times and never
had an adverse reaction.  (surgeries from appendix to rebuilding my legs
under for several hours).  I had a tendon released on Friday the 21st lasting
about 45 minutes under in an out patient situation under general an. (not
spinal block or local).  Fri & Sat. I was pretty loopy on pain killers, but nothing
unusual.  Sunday I noticed my right leg felt numb (surgery was on the LEFT
foot).  By Sunday night my entire right side of my body was numb.  I called
Monday morning the surgeons office who simply said "that isn't our fault go
to urgent care".  I did and the only thing they could come up with was an
adverse reaction to anesthesia.  Have you ever seen a reaction that could
result in the entire right side of a body being numb (like nerve damage numb
not pins and needles).  My right leg is also cold the touch. The calf reminds
me of when you have an iv in your arm and it is cooler than the rest of you.  
Urgent care who told me to just wait 2 more days that it must be the
anesthesia.  It has now been about 72 hours post op. Numbness runs from
about should down thru the toes on the opposite side from surgery.   Face
seems fine and no stroke like symptoms.

So ever heard of this before?

Answer
Stephanie
I have never heard of anything like this before. It is strange that you were OK and symptoms started at 48hrs. This does not fit with a reaction to the anaesthetic. People love to blame anaesthesia when they find something they can't explain!
Numbness and altered sensation on one side of your body is very unusual. Do you have any weakness on that side?
If no weakness then we have to explain why you have a sensory disturbance only on one side.
That can only really happen with some form of 'central problem' in your brain or high up in your spinal cord. I have to state that this could be physical or hysterical in nature but I seriously doubt the latter from your history.
I'm at a loss to suggest anything from this distance and without a detailed examination.
If this is not settling then get yourself back to the urgent care centre. If they are still blaming the anaesthesia then ask them how an anaesthetic would lead to these symptoms?
Sorry I can't help further, please let me know how you get on and if anything is diagnosed.
kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson