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

Since your doctor won't approve an MRI, I would get another opinion.

Hi Dave, will be 2 years in October since my TKR and I developed foot neuropathy about 4-6 months after. I’m 74 and never had a thing wrong with my legs nor feet. Went to two different neurologists and that was a joke. Did all kinds of test, called it IDEOPATHIC, which I hate, it’s an excuse saying they have no idea what causing the problem. All tests etc… were fine. Went to a vein surgeon who did testing and said there were no circulation issues. Went to another surgeon who did an ultrasound and said the issue could very well be TKR related. Said there is so many moving parts to surgery, nerves etc… that it could be 2-3 years before I was rid of the neuropathy. I go for a follow up ultrasound and visit with same surgeon in early November. At this stage, I’m not sure if I believe him either. I only get neuropathy at night but I do now wear an ankle only suppression sock and maybe that keeps it from appearing during the day. I do now take Gabapetin 600-mg one time at night to sleep. I’ve done a lot of research and coming to the conclusion that I may just have to live with this the rest of my life. I honestly don’t think there is any cure nor any medical doctor who has an answer to the cause nor cure.
Best of luck, understand and feel your pain.
Vince

Had knee replacement and than neuropathy started has anyone else had this issue

Hello @mawmaw6 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are not alone in your experience, which is why you will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion with other members on this same topic, which you can find here:
- Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/68-and-fearful-of-future/

Members like @vinran @martyk @nemo1 and @dbeshears1 have all recently shared in this discussion and may be able to join you.

How long ago was your knee replacement?

I’ve read your comments and you are not alone here. However, that is no reason to be talking about “can’t live with this and, burden to my family”.
At this stage of life, i am mid-seventies and imagine you are about the same or thereabouts. I have developed foot neuropathy after TKR as well. Been to
2 neurologists, have had all the tests for nerves, blood flow etc… and then saw a separate surgeon, but no one can figure it out.
I’ve learned to live with it .
I take Gabapetin which allows me to sleep at night because that’s when it’s at its worse. The alternative is, I can now function with my new knee and do things I normally did prior to a bad knee, so I’ll take some neuropathy not to be chair-ridden. That’s when you become a burden to the family.
Wish you well, but at this stage of life, we all have issues to deal with, accept and move on with your life.
My best.
Vin

yes, @cnewberg needs an MRI for starters. Good advice

Causes of extreme neuropathy after TKR on 12/6/22. Wife had TKR on Dec 6 2022 and surgeon deemed procedure a success. After weeks of PT neuropathy developed to the point of wife regressing to be unable to walk or stand unaided with extreme back and leg pain. Now going on 4 months with pain worse. Questioning spinal block during surgery or positioning during surgery. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hello @burkesnh, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to read about your wife's experience following her TKR.

You will notice I have moved your post into an existing discussion on TKR and neuropathy, which you can find here:
- Neuropathy after TKR: I'm 68 and fearful of future: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/68-and-fearful-of-future/

I did this to help you better connect with members who can relate to your wife's experience. Members like @vinran, @mawmaw6, and @martyk have shared previously and may be able to come back and share more with you.

May I ask if your wife had any preexisting back/spine issues, such as herniated disks, arthritis, or stenosis, before her TKR?

Neuropathy is a side effect of TKR, ACCORDING TO most
Honest surgeons. One advised me it’s the reason he doesn’t use a tourniquet during surgery nor does he block some
nerves in back of the knee - best I can describe it.
I’m not sure it ever gets better. I’ve seen two neurologists
and other doctors, none have answers, other than there is no
known cure. I use gabapetin as prescribed, at night only, to allow sleeping. I’m learning to live with it. Acceptable trade off to knee pain.
Best of luck.

Thank you so much for your reply. Unfortunately, my neuropathy is spreading to my extremities and I use a walker at all times. Now my back is being looked into for stenosis. More surgery could be in my future. I wish I could say that all this is better than my knee pain. All I wish is to go back before my surgery. Thank you again for your reply. I hope you continue your improvement.