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Ray Kemble avatar

TKR out of the question when you've got PN?

Neuropathy | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (13)
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Profile picture for lynfrommn @lynfrommn

@ray666 I'm pushing 79 hard. I've had both total hip and total knee replacements since I was diagnosed with idiopathic distal axonal sensory polyneuropathy . I don't think that the neuropathy symptoms have changed or worsened as a result of those new parts being installed. I know that another TKR is in my future but I just had a steroid injection to buy some time.

During the day when I'm up and about, my balance is, at times, not the best although that may be a result of some instability with the knee needing replacement. Also, many days I feel like I'm walking on a thick, spongy surface. I still stay as active as I can, even on rough terrain. I take gabapentin only at night so that I can get pain-free sleep. I've accepted that this is as good as it's going to get and am trying to make the best of managing the symptoms.

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Ray Kemble | @ray666 | 2 hours ago

Hello, lynfrommn (@lynfrommn)

It sounds like you and I are at a similar place on our PN journeys. I only have the one TKR (right knee), but that was done long before I began to show any signs of PN. I nearest I can come to stated the nature of my PN is chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy. I've no pain, just my wonky balance.

I'll be meeting with my orthopedist next Wednesday and we'll discuss the future of my left knee (my arthritic knee). I'm not so much concerned that a second TKR might worsen my balance as I am (as my orthopedist might, too) worry that a fall post-TKR (due to my poor balance) could imperil my new TKR.

I've not fallen in quite some time, and none of my long-ago falls did me any damage (other than embarrassment 🙂 ), so falling is not an immediate concern. With a new TKR, however, it most likely would be a concern. Also, I live alone. That would add to any post-TKR concern.

Thanks for your reply! I wish you all the very best!
Ray (@ray666)

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