Damage from Iovera Nerve block prior to TKR

Posted by kathi65 @kathi65, Nov 8, 2022

I had right TKR 18 weeks ago. Prior to surgery I had lower leg neuropathy and a neurologist could not determine why after testing (you're part of the 20% of the population that gets it for an unknown reason she said). My surgeon recommended the Iovera nerve block prior to surgery because it would help with pain after the surgery. He said that the nerve block would last for about 3 months. I had no problem when the injection was done, minimal bruising and my leg was numb. It's now been more than 3 months later and I still have numbness going all the way down the inside of my thigh to my knee and when I touched the skin it feels like someone's taking a razor blade and slicing my skin open. I'm also having problems when I bend my leg in certain ways or touch my leg in certain spots I start get sharp nerve pains down on my lower leg. I don't know if this is from the Iovera injection or not. And I have a feeling nobody's really going to tell me. Has this happened to anybody else? I already had a chronic pain condition before surgery and if I had known that I would feel the way I do now I don't think I would have had my knee replaced!

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@hemjem

Had a nice Thanksgiving with a large, complete family gathering.
Hope you also had a good one.
If emails are posted on this site, everyone has access.
However, if you are on Facebook, I can send you a friend request & we can chat on Facebook Messenger.

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I am but under my real name UGH

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I really don't get on FB that much anymore

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@kobesnowy

I just turned 80
Never had surgery in my life
I’m terrified
No cartilage ..bone on bone and swollen as heck and besides this same problem with shoulder in the same side

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Hi, kobesnowy! Since you've never had surgery in your life (congratulations on that!), it's not surprising that you're terrified. I felt the same way when I had my first surgery when I was in my 40s. It's normal--and understandable--to feel that way. Let your doctor know how you're feeling and be sure to ask him or her any questions you have, especially the ones that you think might be silly. Ask for resources you might review, such as videos or books. The more you learn about the surgery, the more you probably will be less afraid. I hope this helps!

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@janchan

Hi, kobesnowy! Since you've never had surgery in your life (congratulations on that!), it's not surprising that you're terrified. I felt the same way when I had my first surgery when I was in my 40s. It's normal--and understandable--to feel that way. Let your doctor know how you're feeling and be sure to ask him or her any questions you have, especially the ones that you think might be silly. Ask for resources you might review, such as videos or books. The more you learn about the surgery, the more you probably will be less afraid. I hope this helps!

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Thank you so much

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