Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future

Posted by daveage68 @daveage68, Jun 13, 2021

I had knee replacement 8 weeks ago. This seem to accelerate neuropathy in both lower legs. Numbness, feels like feet are freezing, legs feel heavy and tired after little exercise. I have always been very active, this is killing me.
Any success stories out there? I read where this is incurable Not sure if this is a quality of life I can live with. Do not want to be burden for wife and family. Looking for good news.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

@johnbishop

Welcome @islandfrog, Here is some information I found about PN and ED that both you and @danpinc2022 might find helpful -- The treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with neurogenic disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739980/

@islandfrog have you found any treatments to help with your PN?

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very interesting indeed. I back to my doc. in 2 weeks, I sure will ask his about it.
than you so much, Dan

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I know what you're going through. I was very active as well: running, surfing, hiking all that stuff but PN just sucks and will alter your life but all is not lost. KEEP MOVING! Consider swimming, hiking, stationary bikes, yoga etc......don't give up and you're journey is just getting started and much to learn and experience. Don't sit down on this or it will eat you up.

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@kimegraves

Talk with your surgeon and they can direct you. If no relief then ask for referral to neurologist for possible diagnosis of neuropathy. Continue to follow your recommended exercise treatment and stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. Stay in contact with our group.

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yes the diagnosis is neuroapathy, my pt girl says she has had patients she has worked with a whole year before and recovered.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @islandfrog, Here is some information I found about PN and ED that both you and @danpinc2022 might find helpful -- The treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with neurogenic disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739980/

@islandfrog have you found any treatments to help with your PN?

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hello, I have tried several pharma solutions. Right now, I take Nortriptyline 25 mg once a day, It seems to soften most of the symptoms. I have been using it for about 4 months. Cramps in lower extremities are a problem as I never know when they will occur. It is daily, but never know why or when.

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@islandfrog

hello, I have tried several pharma solutions. Right now, I take Nortriptyline 25 mg once a day, It seems to soften most of the symptoms. I have been using it for about 4 months. Cramps in lower extremities are a problem as I never know when they will occur. It is daily, but never know why or when.

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Have you discussed the cramps with your doctor? Here is some information you might find helpful --- Leg cramps causes & treatment - Illnesses & conditions - NHS: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/leg-cramps

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I am so afraid of a TKR making it worse! I already have neuropathy from chemotherapy.

Can you tell me if you liked your orthopedic surgeon?

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@emily75

I am so afraid of a TKR making it worse! I already have neuropathy from chemotherapy.

Can you tell me if you liked your orthopedic surgeon?

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Hi @emily75, I'm not sure if your question was directed to me but I really like my Mayo orthopedic surgeon. He was great and went through all of the risks of the procedure as did the anesthesiologist. There is always risk with any major surgery but I am extremely happy I had my knee replaced. I also had neuropathy before I had the TKR.

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@johnbishop

Hi @emily75, I'm not sure if your question was directed to me but I really like my Mayo orthopedic surgeon. He was great and went through all of the risks of the procedure as did the anesthesiologist. There is always risk with any major surgery but I am extremely happy I had my knee replaced. I also had neuropathy before I had the TKR.

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Mine did not really go over the risks. I read it in the fine print about The Stryker Knee and then sent him a message.

Thank you for your response. I am already on gabapentin and scared about making the neuropathy worse.

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I am six years out from a TKR. The minute I woke up after my surgery my foot felt numb. I told my doctors in all my appointments after the surgery. I was told not to worry about it, the numbness will go away. On my one year check up from my TKR I told my doc I was still experiencing foot numbness. His reaction was total shock. It was like he had no idea I was having that problem and advised me to see a podiatrist. I am active I play golf and pickle ball and go to the gym. My activities are usually not as long as I would like because the longer I am active the worse my foot feels. I describe it like there is a block of cement on the bottom of my foot. I very rarely talk about it because it sounds so silly that something like that could be a problem. I have have found Nike sneakers give me the most support, but I end up buying sneakers (they are not cheap) and inserts every two months. I really am just venting because I thought maybe somewhere out there is someone that understands. So thank you for giving me this opportunity and any suggestions or helpful information is appreciated.

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@shep148

I am six years out from a TKR. The minute I woke up after my surgery my foot felt numb. I told my doctors in all my appointments after the surgery. I was told not to worry about it, the numbness will go away. On my one year check up from my TKR I told my doc I was still experiencing foot numbness. His reaction was total shock. It was like he had no idea I was having that problem and advised me to see a podiatrist. I am active I play golf and pickle ball and go to the gym. My activities are usually not as long as I would like because the longer I am active the worse my foot feels. I describe it like there is a block of cement on the bottom of my foot. I very rarely talk about it because it sounds so silly that something like that could be a problem. I have have found Nike sneakers give me the most support, but I end up buying sneakers (they are not cheap) and inserts every two months. I really am just venting because I thought maybe somewhere out there is someone that understands. So thank you for giving me this opportunity and any suggestions or helpful information is appreciated.

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Welcome @shep148, I think I might be venting also if I was told not to worry about the numbness after surgery and six years later I still had the symptoms. It was one of the possibilities my surgeon explained to me prior to having my TKR but I already have numb feet and neuropathy so it didn't make mine any worse. In my experience, most foam inserts in shoes are only good for 3 to 4 months max. I like Sketchers because they seem to feel good on the feet and I get the leather like versions for more support than the canvas ones. I normally get a new pair a couple of time a year because the foam sole breaks down.

Seeing a podiatrist might be a good idea to see if orthotics might help. Have you thought about getting a second opinion?

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