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terrible pain in donor area after FUE procedure


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guys,

 

I had a *FUE* HT 2 weeks ago and the pain in the donor has not let up. The vikodin like pain killers did nothing

 

It was so bad that I didnt sleep for 5 days ( even with pain killers) that I had to go to hostpital for anouther 6 days to recover.

 

The pain is so sensitive and tingling. Its affecting my life in such a neagaive way. In hospital they prescribed me very strong pain killers every 6 hours and tablets to reduce the nerves firing - apparently I have neuropathic pain.

 

The recipient area is fine.

 

I am loosing my zest for my self, business and family. Its very sad and I am starting to get depressed.

 

pls appreciate at this moment I dont want to say here on the forum who did the HT.

 

Has anyone else suffered in the way I have?

No where on the net is there any references to such post op pain

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  • Regular Member

guys,

 

I had a *FUE* HT 2 weeks ago and the pain in the donor has not let up. The vikodin like pain killers did nothing

 

It was so bad that I didnt sleep for 5 days ( even with pain killers) that I had to go to hostpital for anouther 6 days to recover.

 

The pain is so sensitive and tingling. Its affecting my life in such a neagaive way. In hospital they prescribed me very strong pain killers every 6 hours and tablets to reduce the nerves firing - apparently I have neuropathic pain.

 

The recipient area is fine.

 

I am loosing my zest for my self, business and family. Its very sad and I am starting to get depressed.

 

pls appreciate at this moment I dont want to say here on the forum who did the HT.

 

Has anyone else suffered in the way I have?

No where on the net is there any references to such post op pain

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This is really unfortunate and very odd. Usually when strip is removed there may be nerve damage, but that usually ends up with numbness, but never heard if with a FUE. If it persists ask you doc for either neurontin or lyrica, they are excellent for nerve pain. Good luck.

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Sunchaser:

That is terrible, I am sorry you are having such post op pain. Although you have chosen not to mention his name (and I understand) please notify Bill if this is a doctor recommended on this site.

Have you had any contact with your HT doc? Has anyone been able to give you a reason why or how this is happenening?

Be strong, it is tempting to slip into depression...but hard to get back to normal.

I cannot imagine what you are suffering with and hope for a speedy recovery. Look to your friends and family for support and do not give up hope...

Please keep us updated on your soon to come progress.

Jessica

HT Coordinator

Limmer HTC

 

Dr. Brad Limmer is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

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guys,

 

I called the HT doctor after the 2nd and 3rd days as I travelled to see him - He advised that that pain/sensitivity was common. At that point I hadnt checked into the hospital yet so I was only taking ibuprofen and codine. The problem was that the pain was getting worse and I wasnt sleeping.

 

By the 5thday I delirious in pain and sleep deprived. The hospital doctors checked if it was an infection but that was dismissed early on.

 

They concluded it was damaged nerves - so I have been prescribed lyrica which helped calm the nerves over the 5 days which allowed me to recover a little.

 

I am also now having tramadol to manage the pain.

 

The question I still have in my mind is

 

1: how many people have this sort of reaction

2: How long can I expect this pain to continue.

 

I really apprecaite your kindness and goodwill. I am still coming to grips with the pain and determining whether I will have this for life

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He advised that that pain/sensitivity was common

I have a hard time with that...he actually used the word common? Even after the hospial stay and the nerve damage? Really? Or have you contacted him since?

I think that I would have to say it seems very UNcommon. As we do not do FUE, I still have not heard of such pain. I just really wish all the best for you and a SUPER speedy recovery.

Contact your HT doc and ask him how long the "common" side effect should last.

Jessica

HT Coordinator

Limmer HTC

 

Dr. Brad Limmer is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

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I agree w/ Jessica. Seems fishy. My initial guess was an exorbitantly large punch size was used, maybe off of a motorized device that went too deep....sounds really weird, though....

 

I wish you the best. Keep on your HT doc, and stay dilligent with the specialists for this neuro problem.

-----------

*A Follicles Dying Wish To Clinics*

1 top-down, 1 portrait, 1 side-shot, 1 hairline....4 photos. No flash.

Follicles have asked for centuries, in ten languages, as many times so as to confuse a mathematician.

Enough is enough! Give me documentation or give me death!

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Sunchaser--

 

I think that the answers to your questions are probably very dependent on the reputation of the doctor who peformed your surgery. If it was a doctor on this forum, then I would be optimistic that nothing unethical was done to your head and that you will recover.

 

If it is a doctor with questionable credentials, then I would think your recovery time would depend on what exactly was done incorrectly during the procedure.

 

Perhaps there is a doc on here who is local who would be kind enough to see you and evaluate. Wish we could help more.

 

I'm sure you will not have the problem for life. Try to stay positive and take it a day at a time.

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He advised that that pain/sensitivity was common

Pain is common after Fue? The most you should have is maybe the donor becomes a little itchy after few days for some a little aloe vera on that does the trick. But nerve damage from Fue?? If this doc is going around saying it is "quite common" then he is only speaking from his experience. It's why I say just because someone offers Fue does not mean it's all the same and they follow the same protocol as others offering Fue. I hope you recover soon.

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Sunchaser

 

If your experience is as you describe it, then I do not see why withholding the Dr's name is of any value.

 

FUE as practiced these days by the top docs is practically non-traumatic and does not commonly send anyone to the hospital for pain management.

 

disclosing the Doctor may help establish the country, his/her credentials, any prior issues, and perhaps more importantly the type of technique that was used on your head.

 

Otherwise you are left with what others have posted already above.

 

Hope you heal promptly and have an excellent outcome.

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Sunchaser,

 

What you are experiencing, neuropathic pain, is something I personally have experienced, and I am quite sure that most of us here who have had transplants have experienced it from time to time.

 

It is akin to phanthom pain and has symptoms of a sudden sharp pain.

 

You seem to have it very severely.

 

You have taken good steps by seeing a health care provider.

 

Be careful with powerful pain killers.

take care...

 

 

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Sunchaser,

 

First and foremost, please contact your hair transplant doctor immediately if the pain has not subsided. It's important that he/she evalute you as soon as possible.

 

Also, it might help if you post some photos of your donor area to see if there's anything obviously unusual.

 

But it's critical you talk to your doctor about the pain you're having.

 

Please keep us posted on this ok? If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to send me a private message.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

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thanks all for the good wishes.

 

To clarify I spoke to the doctor prior to going to hospital and at that time he assumed it was simply post HT tenderness.

 

My wife has spoken to the doctor twice since then so we have had basic communication but nothing that would be considered appropriate post op care given the situation. I should feel angry but right now I am focusing on my pain and strategies for healing ASAP.

 

Also the doc who did my HT is very reputable and has been doing it for years. He is well known in this forum so I am reluctant to name him , as it could get out of hand and potenitally destroy his reputation which is not the intention rather just to get better and move on.

 

So for those who have had Neuro pathic pain can you advise what time frames you experienced this pain?

 

My concern is that I need to stay on such heavy pain killers for months or worse years.

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Sunchaser, this is certainly very disturbing and i'm sorry to hear of your plight. It would be good to hear the opinions of some doctors also - have you heard of these cases before? I trust things will improve soon friend...

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Sunchaser, I am really sorry to hear about your plight. Suffering in silence is not the option here , and while I admire your integrity, we do want others to be careful. I too would like to hear from other coalition doctors !

I hope your situation improves soon ! Keep us updated on your progress.

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Hey Sunchaser, sorry to hear your dealing with this. I hope you can find some way to relieve your condition soon.

 

This is the first time I have heard of this happening with fue...I have heard of this happening with strip before.

 

Anyway, please let us know how you are getting on and what treatment works for you. All of us are crossing our fingers and pulling hard for you to get this resolved.

 

Take Care,

Jason

Go Cubs!

 

6721 transplanted grafts

13,906 hairs

Performed by Dr. Ron Shapiro

 

Dr. Ron Shapiro and Dr. Paul Shapiro are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

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Originally posted by the B spot:

 

This is the first time I have heard of this happening with fue...I have heard of this happening with strip before.

 

Jason

 

Do you mind elaborating on what has happened with strip.

 

I am currently having two types of severe pain

 

1. Burning and tingling sensation across the whole donor area. It is as if the area is on fire - lyrica is reducing the fire but it is still there and constant.

 

2. 4- 6 points on the back of my skull which have dull and relentless pain the size of 50 cent coins. This is where the local anisthetic went in I assume during the harversting of the follicules. tramadol is helping reduce this however I dont want to be taking these for an extended period of time given they are such strong pain killers and I am a walking zombie on them

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