surgery for neuropathy

Hi, @stulerner - I'd like to call on some members who may have had surgery for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, know something about it or know others who have undergone this, like @johnbishop @upartist @nicoletta8 @steeldove @edwhalen @sherlock @pfbacon. Hoping they may have some thoughts for you.

Are you considering undergoing surgery for your neuropathy, @stulerner? If so, what is being proposed for your surgery?

Hi @stulerner, you mentioned surgery for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy? I'm not sure there is any such surgery. The reason being if it's idiopathic that means they do not know the cause of the neuropathy which means they don't know what needs fixing. Here's a little more information that may help explain:

Peripheral Nerve Surgery
-- https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/surgery/peripheral-nerve-surgery

John

I am willing to have any surgery that will help with axonal sensory neuropathy. My doctors haven't suggested any but I'll see my neurologist on Monday; I'll ask. And I'll read this thread for ideas of what to ask about. TY Peggy

When I look for new drugs or procedures I include the term 'pubmed' at the end of the search terms. This gives the NIH research papers that have been published about the drug or procedure.

There cannot be surgery for any idiopathic condition since the term 'idiopathic' means: relating to or denoting any disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.

Surgery can not be performed for a condition for which the cause is unknown.

There are several publications that indicate POSSIBLE success from surgery for decompression of nerves in the feet of patients with neuropathy caused by diabetes.

Search: surgery for neuropathy pubmed.

I cannot post the actual link since I am a new member.

Regards, Elained

I have had 2 decompression surgeries for peripheral neuropathy and a dropped foot. The neuropathy and dropped foot is from a hip surgery that did not go well, not from diabetes or any other medical ailment. I take 2400 of gabapentin, 60 of cymbalta every day. I have sleeping pills. I struggle every day with balance, pain, numbness, tingling. Nothing seems to work. I walk and walk and walk and walk at night. sleeping is a thing of the past. Is there a surgery that will fix this issue?

Welcome @denisegooden, Sadly I don't think any of us patients on Connect can say if a surgery will fix the foot drop and neuropathy issue. I did see a patient story similar to your experience that mentions surgery that fixed the pain symptoms but also went to the surgeon's website which gives the standard disclaimer that there are no guarantees which is true with any surgery.

-- Nerve Surgery Success after Failed Hip Revision Surgeries: https://youtu.be/g4dVcc2-N1w
-- Foot Drop Surgically Repaired by Dr. Tim Tollestrup: https://nevadanervesurgery.org/foot-drop-surgically-fixed-by-dr-tim-tollestrup/

Have you thought about seeking help at a major teaching hospital or health facility like Mayo Clinic?

Denise, I am so sorry to hear of your plight. Mine pales by comparison. We do share balance problems and numbness. Additionally, I'm bothered by spinal stenosis, damaged lower back vertebrae, dry mouth, and night sweats.
If I may be so bold, I would ask you to consider or reconsider: physical therapy focussing on balance (Once I found balance exercises that worked for me my balance became a good bit better); massaging your feet and/or doing foot and ankle exercises that increase circulation; learning mindfulness activities to use when you need to get your mind off your misery; doing things you can that are enjoyable to you. I make picture puzzles, watch movies and sports. I write, Zoom or lunch with a group of former colleagues, exercise as I can strengthening my body, walk, jog in place or whatever. Some days are better, others not so good. Nights are more of a problem since many of my symptoms come to call.
I cannot speak to surgery except that my wife has a hip and two knee replacements. Have your surgeons offered advice? They should. Sue swears by warm water aerobics and tries her best to play pickle ball again. Both of us have given up tennis. I am neither stable or conditioned enough.
Oh, one last thing. I think it is well worth while to read about and try all sleeping positions to find the one that works best. All my life, I mainly slept on my stomach but I have read that back sleeping is the best and I am finding it encouraging.
Don