Numbness and burning after knee replacement

Sue - Thanks so much for your advice here. It has been almost a year since I have been able to sleep in my bed for a whole night.

I like how you said this: . For example, in your case I might say "I felt I would progress better with additional physical therapy, which the doctor refused to order because..." Nicely put and I will use it. FWIW, this Doc also refused to issue an order for therapy before surgery seeing no use for it. I did some exercises on my own before because I understand that the stronger your leg muscles are before, the better.

As for suing - that is something to consider AFTER I get my leg fixed so it feels normal or close to normal. All day I have had that pin and needle, numb type feeling and sometimes sharp pain from knee to foot. It is hard to try to walk when your leg feels this way just as it is hard to walk if your leg were numb from, say sitting on it. The best thing is to have a doc that fixes the problems I have been complaining about. That alone speaks volumes.

Also, a BIG THANKS for listening and reading my situation. We are elderly and family is away from us so there is really no one to advocate for us but each other. I believe that the elderly are sometimes not taken seriously in what they say.

You want to take charge of your health, but we are not experts and don't understand a lot of things. This was my very first surgery in 75 years. As I say, this practice schedules the surgeon to see you for up to 10 minutes and if you ask and he doesn't give an answer or gives a bland answer we don't always put it together right away. We are all in a bit of awe with doctors and surgeons.

The last 2 visits to the surgeon started out and ended with him wanting to talk about my NEXT surgery!!

One expects a doc to answer the question. He felt the leg but didn't say much. This was the first surgery for either of us. This guy ends his talk with me by telling me that we will see whee we are next apt and set up an apt. for next surgery. I have flat told him there will be no other surgery until my current leg feels normal and I have sufficient balance. Told hubby after last visit Doc didn't care, was just interested in the next TKR.

I know that I want a surgeon who stops by and sees how his patients are doing before going home. This guy does not.

The thing that concerns me is that I seem to be losing mobility range eventhough I am doing the exercises that were given me.

Hubby vaguely remember him mentioning something about injuring a nerve, but says the doc never said which one or what I could expect, even though hubby asked.

And we both stood up to him when he wanted to change at last day my operating time of 7 a.m. to noon so that the rep could be there! I had specifically asked for that early time because I hurt, was scared and wanted to get it over. As Hubby told him, if there had to be a rep there then he could get his arse there by 7 because hubby didn't understand why a rep needed to be there in the first place. There was no consideration of me, my situation etc.! I definately don't need someone like that.

Good for you and hubby in standing up for your rights as a patient. Knowing how important it was to you for an early morning appointment in advance, it was disrespectful to be jerked around for their convenience.

According to my physical therapist (who gets to sit in on occasional ortho surgeries) the reps are there to provide info on new versions of the implant hardware. He said the surgeons do sometimes ask for input on choosing hardware on a particular operation, and the reps are well versed in the technical specs and uses of what they sell with updated versions in production. It does seem odd to me too, to allow extra people in the operating room.

I don't understand your doctor refusing your request for physical therapy, it seems like a logical simpler step to try the less harmful solution both before committing to surgery, as well as really so important afterwards. I am glad you are switching surgeons for your next one.

Please step back and realize that not every surgeon is like your most recent one! Also, please set aside your awe with doctors, and begin to expect real answers to your questions and concerns. I know that older people and people with many medical issues are sometimes treated dismissively by some people in the medical community. I too am a "little old lady" and have learned to be persistent. My primary care provider is my cheerleader and she makes sure I get good care.

I think it is a good sign that the new surgeon's nurse has asked for information in advance. Sometimes the best thing you, as a patient can do, is to cultivate a strong relationship with a member of the doctor's staff who has a bit more time to help you - the nurse, PA (Physician's Assistant) or therapist. Then as questions come up, you can call or use their electronic communications to get answers.

If all of this is overwhelming to you as a couple, perhaps you can check with your physician, or your state or local council on aging to find help in dealing with it. For example, in some places there are social workers or ombudsmen available to help you sort through options and get answers.

Please let me know what the new surgeon has to say.
Sue

Sue - Here's I question I hope you can answer. Would having those nerves cut and pushed around twice in less than 4 months also make them angrier and longer to heal?

When I saw my GP, and he has been terrific, he did tell me that I may always have this pain, numbness, etc. Surgeon never addressed it, even though I asked SEVERAL times. Just a "we'll see how it is at next visit" at which he starts about when I want to have the next TKR.

Just what I need TWO legs numb and in pins and needles!

One expects a doc to answer the question. He felt the leg but didn't say much. This was the first surgery for either of us. This guy ends his talk with me by telling me that we will see whee we are next apt and set up an apt. for next surgery. I have flat told him there will be no other surgery until my current leg feels normal and I have sufficient balance. Told hubby after last visit Doc didn't care, was just interested in the next TKR.

I know that I want a surgeon who stops by and sees how his patients are doing before going home. This guy does not.

The thing that concerns me is that I seem to be losing mobility range eventhough I am doing the exercises that were given me.

Hubby vaguely remember him mentioning something about injuring a nerve, but says the doc never said which one or what I could expect, even though hubby asked.

And we both stood up to him when he wanted to change at last day my operating time of 7 a.m. to noon so that the rep could be there! I had specifically asked for that early time because I hurt, was scared and wanted to get it over. As Hubby told him, if there had to be a rep there then he could get his arse there by 7 because hubby didn't understand why a rep needed to be there in the first place. There was no consideration of me, my situation etc.! I definately don't need someone like that.