Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi @dabshire, welcome to Connect. I'm not sure any of us members can answer your question other than share our own personal experience with surgeries or health problems. I think it's possible for nerve damage during a knee surgery or with many surgeries. Have you discussed it with your surgeon or doctor?

@contentandwell, @debbraw and @JustinMcClanahan may be able to share their experience with knee surgery. I had knee surgery on my right knee in the 70s to remove some torn cartilage and that knee is now bone on bone. I am scheduled to have a knee replacement done in a few weeks and was a little concerned about a nerve block being done on the knee since I already have small fiber peripheral neuropathy in my legs and would like not to make it worse.

I have asked the surgeon about the problem with my feet and if it could be the knee healing or what.....His reply was it was.not anything associated with the surgery and could be something else and referred me to my primary Doctor. I have an appt for Monday. I just dont understand how this just started all at once after the surgery. I will reply with what my Doctor tells me. It is driving me insane. Hopefully I can find an answer. Thanks for replying.

@dabshire I have no medical training or background but would think that it would only impact the leg that had the surgery. There is some information about the nerve here but it doesn't mention whether or not it could affect both legs.

Femoral nerve dysfunction
-- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000687.htm
Case Scenario: Nerve Injury after Knee Arthroplasty and Sciatic Nerve Block
-- http://anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org/article.aspx?articleid=1933823

@dabshire
Wow, I've had that surgery done twice, once on each knee.
I never had that symptom.
I suggest you call the surgeon who did the surgery.
Feel well!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

There have been a number of cases where neuropathy has begun after surgery (anything from back surgery to a hysterectomy to hip surgery and others) -- however, the surgeons won't admit that it had anything to do with the surgery -- they probably nicked or did something to a nerve -- however, it never gets documented by the surgeon

Hi All!

I actually posted in my Chronic Pain group, but I think I should post here, too.
I went to the neurologist and neurosurgeon this week.
The neurologist said that I indeed have neuropathy, but she did not give it a specific name of what kind.
The test results say that it is coming from my messed up spine (L4, S1).
My left side, according to the tests is worse than the right.
Since nothing is 'normal' with me, I have more issues with my right side than left, that is typically me.
My right big toe is gone as far as movement.
The other toes have a bit of movement up and down, but not much.
On my left foot, the big toe is starting to become worse and the other toes still have movement.
Both ankles are BAD!
I cannot swiivel them from side to side. As a result, both doctors said I CAN NOT LONGER DRIVE!!!
She said my nerves are clumping near the lumbar surgical site.
She also said that most of my lumbar vertebra are moved, at least slightly to one side or another.
I asked why I am not feeling pain, NOT THAT I WANT TO.
It has something to do with where the synapsis are and where the stenosis is.
Pain COULD be on the way, but we HOPE NOT!!
(I'll get back to that in a minute)
Now, my neurosurgeon is CONVINCED that there is more going on!
He is sending me for an MRI of my T-spine. He found a cyst in my spinal canal a time back and is checking to see if it has grown.
He said he can do a minor surgery to 'clean up' some of the issues, but all it will do is give me the ability to walk longer.
He also COULD NOT GUARANTEE (of course) that the surgery will result in pain (aside from the surgical pain).
At this point, I am NOT willing to take a chance since this is the first time in over a decade that I am PAIN FREE (except for minor OA pain, which I can deal with).
So, both docs are going to confer to see if they can decide what to do, if anything at this point.
The neuropathy is NOT from the surgery since it started months before.
I truely believe that I waiting so long to do anything more than injections and other interventions, that I developed this.
The nerve damage I have will NOT reverse, but it is progressive. It is my goal to find a way to prolong the progression.
This is all new to me. So far, I found that theraputic massage has helped. After my session, I could wiggle my toes a little bit, which is more than I was able to do.
Sorry for being so long, but those of you who know me, know I am wordy.

One question......Has anyone retrofitted your car with hand controls? If so, can you give me a ball park of how much it costs? Who actually does the modifications?

Thanks all!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@lois6524
I agree with you, Lois.
If the pain or symptoms start right after surgery, what are the chances it DID NOT COME FROM THE SURGERY?
The are so many nerves, muscles, veins, bones, etc., it has to be difficult even for the best, experienced surgeon.
Today, with medical malpractice suits, you are not going to get a doctor to admit to anything.
Our choice is to sue or find a way to either live with the results or find a 'cure.'
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Hi Ronnie @grandmar - @steeldove posted a photo of hand controls he has had installed. I'm not sure of the cost other than it's expensive. He can probably give you a ball park figure. Here is the post he made with a photo.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=70#comment-124253

@johnbishop
Thank you, John.
Boy, you are an amazing resource!
I cannot imagine the time you spend helping others on this site!
You are a keeper!
Ronnie

Aw shucks...@grandmar, thank you for the kind words. I think this is the type of hand controls @steeldove has.
http://www.kempf-usa.com/