Here is some things you can be at risk of when sleeping for extended periods on a limb or in one position:
- Compartment Syndrome: where the pressure in a limb builds up so much you will get the limb turning blue, swell, extreme pain, parasthesia, paralysis and no pulse. Sounds like what the other fella had cos treatment involves fasciotomy where an incision is made in the limb to relieve the pressure and save the tissue.
- Rhabdomyolysis has a lot of causes, but does occur when someone is asleep for a really long period of time without moving, and muscle starts to break down. It can also lead to compartment syndrome. The bad thing about rhabdo is that as muscle is broken down, the products clog up the kidneys basically, leading to acute renal failure (ie kidneys=cactus).
- Nerve damage: Neurapaxia is my guess at why you may have loss of sensation. The actual nerve's intact but impulses cannot conduct as normal. I think recovery can be anywhere from days to months.
So I know its a while since you posted but anyone in this situation should really get medical treatment asap for the best outcome for your limb and life.
And can I just say not all health professionals are arseholes, some of us do really want to help and are non-judgemental. It makes me shame to hear other so called professionals make people reluctant to get the help they need.
The poster who said ask for patient advocate if you're being mistreated is right, you can also ask to speak to their superior/supervising doctor (ie if they are anyone but a consultant they will be supervised to some degree in the Emergency). Same with nurses, there should always be a "team leader" or someone running the department. And remind them they are ethically and morally bound to treat people equally regardless of their lifestyle, race, age, sex...
Good luck!