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Neuropathy and knee replacement

Posted by beth4345 @beth4345, Nov 16 8:05am

I am scheduled for total knee replacement. How will that affect my neuropathy?

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beth4345 | @beth4345 | Nov 17 10:23pm
In reply to @michaelsz "Yes. I do a variety of exercises for my legs as directed by my physio: range..." + (show)
@michaelsz

Yes. I do a variety of exercises for my legs as directed by my physio: range of motion for knees and hips and muscle strengthening for my leg muscles, some general exercises: e.g. push-ups, sit ups, some balance exercises I had been doing them daily but became very tired, and my physio told me to cut down to 3 x/ week. Doing them 3x/week has decreased my fatigue. On the off days I do some Tai chi, shown to me as part of a post-operative programme after some not-related cancer surgery. I also try to walk 5-10,000 steps per day. I can only get to 10,000 about 1-2 x per week; otherwise I can get very fatigued. I can usually do about 5000. I do use a cane or walking stick only to help with my balance.... Good luck to you. I will check the website you cite.

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Wow, you certainly do a lot of therapy and exercises. I think I may need to step it up in prep for surgery? Thank you!

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michaelsz | @michaelsz | Nov 18 7:02am

Prior to my surgery, and one factor that led the surgeon to do both knees at the same time, notwithstanding that I am older, was participating in an organized physio programme for several months prior surgery: twice at a rehab facility and otherwise daily at home, to strengthen weakened leg muscles. I do recommend active physio/exercise prior to surgery where possible. It should make post-operative recovery easier. Good luck.

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jchet | @jchet | Nov 18 8:52am
In reply to @waad544 "It wasn’t easy nor without a lot of pain & tears. I just got back on..." + (show)
@waad544

It wasn’t easy nor without a lot of pain & tears. I just got back on my own supply of neuropathy medication, (Clonazepam & Lyrica) though it did take a while. I also was on Tylenol arthritis for my knee, and they also put me on Cymbalta. I’m talking weeks of it intermittently reoccurring for no special reason. I had been off of all neuropathy meds for a total of 5 days, but the pain hit me immediately after knee replacement. It just aggravated my nerves in both legs. I’m sure I was the exception to this surgery, but sadly we have to be our own advocates when in medical settings, and never assume anything.

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Thanks. You’ve been through a lot!

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jchet | @jchet | Nov 18 9:00am
In reply to @waad544 "It wasn’t easy nor without a lot of pain & tears. I just got back on..." + (show)
@waad544

It wasn’t easy nor without a lot of pain & tears. I just got back on my own supply of neuropathy medication, (Clonazepam & Lyrica) though it did take a while. I also was on Tylenol arthritis for my knee, and they also put me on Cymbalta. I’m talking weeks of it intermittently reoccurring for no special reason. I had been off of all neuropathy meds for a total of 5 days, but the pain hit me immediately after knee replacement. It just aggravated my nerves in both legs. I’m sure I was the exception to this surgery, but sadly we have to be our own advocates when in medical settings, and never assume anything.

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Were you put on any pain meds right after your knee replacement to deal with the pain?
.

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1 reply
waad544 | @waad544 | Nov 18 9:01am

But thankfully there was an eventual end to the pain, some never see that side of their medical issues.

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waad544 | @waad544 | Nov 18 9:35am
In reply to @jchet "Were you put on any pain meds right after your knee replacement to deal with the..." + (show)
@jchet

Were you put on any pain meds right after your knee replacement to deal with the pain?
.

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Yes I was, but I can’t tell you what all of them were as my neuropathy pain was so intense I was sedated a lot. But I did hear the hospital Dr. mention Fentanyl. The hospital did send me to rehab with Oxycodone & Celebrex RX. These only dealt with the knee pain, not the neuropathy.

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1 reply
jchet | @jchet | Nov 18 10:43am
In reply to @waad544 "Yes I was, but I can’t tell you what all of them were as my neuropathy..." + (show)
@waad544

Yes I was, but I can’t tell you what all of them were as my neuropathy pain was so intense I was sedated a lot. But I did hear the hospital Dr. mention Fentanyl. The hospital did send me to rehab with Oxycodone & Celebrex RX. These only dealt with the knee pain, not the neuropathy.

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Thanks.

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