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← Return to surgery for neuropathy
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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?
Replies to "I have had 2 decompression surgeries for peripheral neuropathy and a dropped foot. The neuropathy and..."
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
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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?