Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/29/2007

Question
"Hello.  I really hope you can help me. I had a spinal for my c-section on Friday 17 August.  On Sunday 19 August my right foot felt slightly numb.  Then on the following Tuesday, both feet and up to my knees in both legs have been tingling, feel numb, feel asleep.  They feel as if the spinal is starting to work again!  Im also very itchy and have been since after the operation.  (12 days now).  I wondered if you could possibly tell me what this could be.  Many thanks."

Answer
If this is getting progressively worse you should go to an emergency room ASAP for evaluation. IF the numbness started several days after the spinal, you might be developing an infection along the spinal cord which requires immediate treatment. Have you also had any fever, etc?

Please go an be seen by someone in an ER or your PCP. It may be nothing but you don't want to take that chance.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston