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Severe Peripheral Neuropathy
I have been diagnosed with Severe Peripheral Neuropathy in both feet, ankles and lower legs below the knees. I am scheduled to have a partial knee replacement removed and a total knee replacement put in its place. The partial was done 15 years ago, and the new knee is scheduled for March 9th. Should I be concerned about further nerve damage from the surgery? My surgeons N.P. says its a routine surgery even with the neuropathy, I find that a little hard to believe so I'm reaching out for suggestions and others experiences.
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I've a related concern, jms1954 (@jms1954), about TKRs. I had my right knee done when I was in my 60s. (I'm now 80.) My left knee is chockful of arthritis. For quite some time, I've gotten injections (gel and cortisone) to relieve the Ow! These injections have helped, but … My ortho doc says he'd be willing to do another TKR (possibly a partial), but my one & only PN "issue" is wobbly balance. I've pretty much decided to skip another TKR, between my balance woes, being 80, and living alone, to my mind another TKR would be unwise. Your concern is different (nerve damage). I look forward to reading the replies you get. My best wishes to you, jms1954! –Ray (@ray666)
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1 Reaction@ray666 hi there has any doctor suggested an SCS implant?
Hello, @blowerk1216. No, no suggestion of that sort. I'm not familiar with an SCS implant. I'll look it up. Thank you, however, for telling me about this. –Ray (@ray666)
@ray666 the program has apparently been successful for 80% of the people involved
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1 Reaction@blowerk1216
No Doctor has suggested a SCS. From what little I know of the device it is used to control pain through a stimulation device that is implanted into your back.
I personally do not have any pain associated with my Neuropathy. My only concerns are further nerve damage from surgery for a total knee replacement.
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1 Reaction@jms1954 oh that’s interesting that you have no pain, that’s great which sensations do you have?
How did your PN begin?
Did it just... happen?
Which is how it is for many people.
Like you, I have no pain from my PN which began for no reason I can definitely put my finger on - perhaps antibiotics - and is in both feet & lower legs. Well, no pain but some discomfort in my leg if I lie for long on my right side.
Unless you know that it arose from your previous surgery, I would reckon that there is no reason to think more surgery will aggravate it. In that respect, you have the same risk as anyone undergoing that particular operation.
@jms1954, I'm pushing 80 really hard. In 2021 I was diagnosed with ideopathic peripheral neuropathy after several years of worsening symptoms. My neuropathy started in my feet and has moved up to my thighs with burning, tingling sensations and the feeling of spongy walking. In 2022 I had a total left hip replacement and in 2024 a total right knee replacement. I don't think either surgery has affected the progression of my neuropathy because my symptoms are the same in both legs. I know I'm a candidate for replacements of the other hip and knee. I've been buying time with cortisone injections but the handwriting is on the wall. I won't hesitate due to the neuropathy. I wish you well in making a decision that will provide relief in some form.