@sturner62, Years ago I had surgery for a torn cartilage in my knee and they did a spinal tap instead of general anesthesia. I still remember the discussion with the anesthesiologist about the risks involved. I didn't have neuropathy at the time. That was in my mid 30s. My idiopathic small fiber neuropathy developed gradually over the next 30 years and I've had a knee replacement and a bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery in the past 5 years both with general anesthesia with no issues or impacts to my neuropathy although they did discuss possible impacts prior to the surgeries. Are you able to discuss your concerns and possible alternatives with your doctor or surgeon?