Tingling/Numbness in Feet after coma/ICU

[Delanio]

Random question but when people first started walking/exercising after discharge - did anyone notice pins and needles or numbness in their feet? (I was in a coma/vented for 6 days) and discharge 3 weeks ago. Today when I walked for 20 minutes I got pins and needles in my right foot and then slight numbness which went after a few minutes. I wondered if it’s normal due to the time I was in bed/in a coma or whether I need to mention to my consultant?

[FamilyHistorian]

yes what ever normal is this is not unusual. It’s probably neuropathy in your legs and feet. People do experience it in different ways. In my case I prefer to walk around the house in bare feet but I had to stop doing that because I was stubbing my toes and I wouldn’t know. For some people the symptoms go away quite quickly and for others they can last for quite some time. In my case I don’t get the needles soo much but I do get numbness after standing for a while it feels as if my lower legs are filling up and get tight. May need to seek medical advice if it doesn’t go away. If your icu has a follow up team it is worth speaking to them

[Sepsur]

it could be peripheral neuropathy, not uncommon amongst us. It can affect all aspects governed by the nervous system which isn’t part of the central nervous system.

How is your gut action after hospital, do you feel bloated soon after you start eating?

How is your balance?

Do you get any cramp? Weird sensations around the body? Do you struggle to regulate your temperature or feel sweaty?Loss of libido? Do you feel faint especially if you stand up quickly?

The pins and needles & numbness are just one of the signs of nerve damage.

Typically, if the nerve damage is not too extensive then it mends slowly at 1mm a day.

I had no sensation on the tops of my feet, whereas the soles where hyper sensitive- a year on, they were nearly back to normal.

[Hidden]

Hi. I am not sure if it is normal/usual, but I am suffering the same. I was sedated for 5 weeks when I had Covid. I am due to see a neurologist soon. In my case it could be related to Covid as I understand recent research says that Covid can damage the nerves.

[Sepsur in reply to Hidden]

sepsis also causes nerve damage, chronic muscle waste and ensuing damage caused by turning or proning, many other severe health conditions including diabetes, alcoholism and vitamin b12 deficiency being most common. The disappointing commonality is that there isn’t much solution beyond addressing the underlying condition. 😊

[Hidden in reply to Sepsur]

As well as Covid, I had had Sepsis before, and Tranverse Myelitis, so every chance these are the cause. Currently there is no impact on my activities, just a discomfort. But as a nurse said to me this week, I am a miracle.....

[Sepsur in reply to Hidden]

which is short hand for “ so be grateful and don’t complain” - 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Sepsur]

No it was short for " you are lucky to be here" just before she gave me a jab in preparation for volunteering in her London hospital

[Copse77]

my brother was in an induced coma after sepsis from flu. He was on ECMO as his lungs were failing and his kidneys weren’t working. He made a strong recovery but felt like he had a stone under his foot for a long time after it. I think the neuropathy is worth mentioning.

[garycom]

Yes I had it too, but was in a coma for a longer time. In one arm and bottoms of feet. You might want to ask for a Dexa scan as it could also be osteoporosis. I know you are young but it can affect young people too. Can you have a chat with your GP about it?

[ScabbleMe]

it’s very common I’m afraid. I developed numbness and pins and needles and now I still have numbness and pain 3 years later in my feet.

[Lifeafterthat]

I got this a lot and still do! Feel free to message me and I can go through my journey with you ❤️

[Laliiii]

hi yes it’s Normal., mention it to your primary physician so he or she can refer you to a Neurologist so they can check for possible Neuropathy., I myself was placed on an induced coma and played on a ventilator due to covid., I was hospitalized a total of 3 months I had to relearn how to walk and I developed what they call critical Neuropathy., i have the pins and needles sensations among other ones., I’m glad to hear you came out of your coma and out of the Hospital., some days can be more challenging than others but we are here and alive., Blessings 🙏

[ElleEmBee]

I have peripheral neuropathy following my icu stay, which was quite complicated (see bio). Maybe Google that and see if it describes your experience. Opinions seem to be if it doesn’t clear up within a few months, it’s probably not going to. I came out of my coma in Jan 22. Was in hospital for 305 days in total. I think my neuropathy in both feet and my left hand has been unchanged in its severity in all this time so I’m thinking I’m probably stuck with it.

[Misterpaulwood]

I can't feel either of my feet or right leg from the knee down so your fairly lucky, nerve damage is common

[Delanio in reply to Misterpaulwood]

I have been lucky and my nerve damage has improved with time and now is no longer a problem. I did really extensive physiotherapy which I think was really vital, now working with a personal trainer to get my fitness to a better level. Thanks for your reply, I hope you’re able to manage or improve your symptoms.