Trouble moving arms after surgery

[casper88]

I just had surgery yesterday and for some reason lost mobility in my arms. The thumb on my right hand is tingling and I can barely move arms a few degrees past my waist. But I can flex them and use my hands. It seems like the problem is around the shoulder area. I went to see my doctor today since he was a little concerned and he said its most likely since my arms were over my head for a few hrs during surgery and I should be back to normal in a day or 2. Is this normal or do I have something to worry about? 

[George Pope, M.D.]

Your problem is most likely related to stretching of the nerves in your armpits (called the brachial plexus)that provide both motor and sensory function to your hands and arms.  When it happens it is because the arms were outstretched for a length of time during the surgery.  By the time I write this you've probably gotten better.

Dr. Pope, MD

[casper88]

Thank you Dr. Pope. Its been about 48 hrs since my surgery and there has been improvement but I'm still only at 50% mobility. My doctor told me to keep my arms moving and it should help. Hoping I'l be back to normal soon since I'm still a little worried. Thanks