← Return to Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future
DiscussionNeuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future
Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 22, 2023 | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "most of you I see on here can walk and still be some what active. I..."
Look up questions to ask the doctor. Take them with you. Get answers. Many doctor's avoid the questions. Stay assertive.
Please don’t give up; I spent 6 months in a wheelchair when I got my sudden onset of idiopathic PN at age 51. Today I drive - my brain finally learned how to help me balance again, restore confidence in where my feet were positioned, and walk with walker or cane, or waddle about short distances on my own. I have no advice on what questions to ask doctor though, as I feel I have asked them all over my 5-6 years with this, and my answers have always been “we don’t know”, (hence idiopathic). A couple university medical center doctors said to just sit and wait and see what happens (did I mention 5-6 years?) What DID happen was physical therapy; in rehab nursing home first, then in my home, then outpatient. Yes, it was hard getting around without my support system, but today I am grateful for where I am and am having fewer pity parties for myself. It may be different when neuropathy is caused by post-op, we’re all different on here, but I’m praying you stick it out with PT and are able to enjoy some freedom out of that wheelchair very soon! And keep communicating here on Connect, I have learned more on here from experienced people than I have from my doctors since neuropathy is so befuddling.
Don't give up! Keep doing as much as you can. Medications may be helpful, but I would not trust anyone who thinks that is the only solution. Try lots of new things. So sorry you have to face this, you are not alone!