Surgery and SFN

I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and had my right knee replaced a few years ago with no complications and no negative impact on my neuropathy. My surgeon and anesthesiologist went through all of the risks and possible complications prior to the knee replacement and yes, they are scary. I think that's true with most major surgeries. I think you have to weigh the risks vs the rewards.

Chris @artscaping may also have some thoughts along with other members with SFN who have also had joint replacements.

Good afternoon......this. is the first time I have seen a question like yours so I had to think a bit. In August 2021 I had my second TKR and then last December I had my thumb surgically repaired. This year I had bladder sling surgery. I don't think I have had any consequences at all with my SFN which I have now had for 10 years.

Before the TKR, my surgeon agreed with my use of medical cannabis and worked out a schedule that fit my SFN situation. We substituted my post-surgery preferences for some of the usual recommendations. And it wasn't a problem with the thumb or bladder surgery.

Just be open and honest about your concerns. I would hope that your SFN was included in your medical history charts and they had already been reviewed by your surgeon and the surgical team.

Good luck and please don't forget to do both your pre and post-surgery exercises. You will be pleased at the results. When is your first surgery? Which one will be first?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering!
Chris

Thanks to both of you for your responses, which are re-assuring. My concern stems from having had tendon-repair surgery on my ankle last year, which led to a bout of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in immediate aftermath. Fortunately a course of Lyrica cleared up the shiny, red, sweaty and painful left foot. CPRS and SFN, as you know, are closely associated; it occurred to me later that perhaps my SFN, which I've suffered since 2006, and has worsened in recent years, may have contributed to the CPRS in my foot, given the vulnerability of my distal nerves. I've also discovered since then that the agents used in nerve blocks are neurotoxic. My TKR will be first in line, though it hasn't yet been scheduled. Thanks so very much again.

Hello,
Within the past 2.5 years, I've had 2 Cervical surgeries and developed SFN in my hands and feet. The pain in my right shoulder goes all the way down to my right wrist. Surgeon never discussed the possibility of any kind of Neuropathy potential. It's been pretty tough during this time period, and while PT helps, there is no real cure. Ask your DR. about LDN, Most have never heard of it, but I found a specialist in Boston that knew all about it. Takes a few months to kick in, but does help with pain and fatigue

I also contended with a bout of CRPS after ankle tendon repair and attribute it to SFN. My neurologist likewise said that nerve blocks are neurotoxic and that surgery can worsen SFN. For that reason I am thinking twice about septoplasty to address sinus issues.

I was diagnosed with SNF within the last year per skin biopsy.and I probably have had it for maybe 20 years without knowing. Been to every doctor imaginable had every procedure Started with chronic muscle pain in my left mid back which caused me to retire early.I’ve had dry mouth for years, and my feet feel like leather on the bottom. i’ve had problems with my bowels for years and I kept wondering why I didn’t sweat when I was hot and now I’ve developed temperature irregularities and I can no longer stand to wear any clothes when I go to bed at night and I am cold in the daytime and hot at night when I go to bed. I’m telling you all this because those are just some the symptoms that I’ve been struggling with. I’ve had surgery done on my Feet 4 times. I’ve had a shoulder repair. I’ve never had any pain with any of my surgeries.. I had a large piece of wood stuck in my finger. I pulled it out and didn’t feel Anything. I’ve also had an inspire neurostimulator placed in my chest I never had any pain post recovery. The worst thing was I have an intolerance for anesthesia. I’m getting ready to have total Shoulder replacement done and a total knee replacement. . . The worst thing was I have an intolerance for anesthesia .I am hoping that I don’t have any pain with either of those., I have written to Mayo clinic twice about my issues and I also have chronic regional pain syndrome and I was turned down twice by the facility. Not sure why they don’t give you a reason if they did maybe that would help I’ve known of other people who had lesser issues than myself and they got in right away , so I’m not exactly sure why I was turned down twice. But just to let you know, I made very speedy recovery on all of my surgeries so hang in there!

Welcome @bensdf, Thank you for sharing your journey with neuropathy and the different surgeries that you have had. I think it can sometimes be difficult to get an appointment at Mayo due to the shear number of patients applying and the limited number of appointments that are available. I wouldn’t give up. Have you tried getting a referral from your doctor or making an appointment yourself?

I’ve been turned down as well and felt even more discouraged and depressed. Our family has a long history of being treated at Mayo and was hoping I could have other options rather than an anti-epileptic and amitriptyline, either in addition to or instead of. Possibly something along the lines of neuro modulation. I wish they would offer virtual visits to individuals which at least could address dietary, supplement, advice on how to keep this from progressing, and specific exercise concerns/recommendations for those diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy; however, if Mayo neurology turns you down, no other department will see you, either in person or virurtual, such as integrative medicine. It feels like those of us with this distressing condition have to fight not only the pain and depression, but fight for appointments and treatment options tailored to us as individuals. For a condition affecting 30 million Americans, there is a sad lack of funding or interest in PN. It may not literally take your life but it can take your life in many other ways.