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← Return to Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future
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Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future
Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 22, 2023 | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
Good advice. I went and had an X-ray and my surgeon said everything was fine. I explained how everytime I step on the leg that had surgery I feel like I’m being stabbed in the left calf and it has gotten worse over the last three weeks. He said “I don’t think anything is wrong, I’d take 9 ibuprofen a day for three weeks and see if it heals” maybe also cut out exercise and ice as you may be icing too much since I told him I ice 4 hours over a 14 hour period. He said he wouldn’t do an MRI. Thinks I should just let it go and see if it’s better in 3 weeks. Is there nothing I can do?
Replies to "Good advice. I went and had an X-ray and my surgeon said everything was fine. I..."
First of all, unless you already have stomach or liver issues, 9 ibuprofen a day for 3 weeks is OK - just take it with food. Many people live for years on that dose or more without permanent issues.
Second, it sounds to me like you have an orthopedic surgeon who views his job as done if the implant is healing and not infected. Unfortunately there are some out there like that...
So, you can try his recommendation for a week and see what happens. If there is no improvement, it is time to decide whether to rely on the surgeon or find someone new.
Maybe it is time to find a physiatrist, a doctor who focuses on regaining and maintaining function, especially since you also have neuropathy?
Sue
Since your doctor won't approve an MRI, I would get another opinion.
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If you take nine Ibuprofen a day for three weeks, you'll be lucky not to have a stomach ulcer.