What could have happened to cause this paraylsis?

Question

My daughter had a planned surgery to have her r****m removed and a j pouch placed and she was left paralyzed from the waist down as a result of this surgery. What could have possibly caused this? Could the doctor have severed her spine in some way? I'm just looking for any kind of answers that would make sense. I don't understand this. Thanks!

Answer 1

Take her to a doctor NOW.  If you are not getting complete or satisfactory answers from her primary physician, get her to another doctor for a second opinion or even a third or fourth opinion if necessary.  Yes, paralysis after j-pouch surgery can be a result of nerve damage from the surgery.  However, more commonly it is the result of a staph infection or other infection, or an adverse reaction to medications such as Flagyl, Remicade, or a few others. The good news is that if it is the result of infection or meds, the paralysis may be temporary or reversible if you catch it in time.  The bad news is that. without treatment, it can become life-threatening.

Answer 2

Absolutely.  The doctors goofed, the scalpel slipped and severed a nerve.  Paralysis is not a normal outcome of this type of surgery (or most surgery).  Get a lawyer, and get a good one.  You'll need the money for her care, and she'll need the money when she's older as well.

So sorry, and good luck.