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.