Total leg skin pain still 21 days after left knee replacement

Can you tell me what the Gabapetin is used for in your
case. I see no mention of neuropathy. Was it just for the
sensitive skin?
Thanks.
Vince

Gabapentin is a anticonvulsant which is also used for nerve pain. Lyrica is as well used for nerve pain. I took it prior to my TKR for pain in my neck but went off due to taking pain meds after surgery but started it back when I started having those Nerve issues when they were coming back to life in my leg. Nerve zaps are a real thing. It also helps with neuropathy due to issues as well if you experience any of that. The sensitive skin does get better as the healing process takes place but being so early in your recovery it may still be sensitive. I am now wearing jeans again and sometimes if my knee is sore I have a compression sleeve that I wear over my thigh/knee/calf area that helps immensely.

I am at 5 1/2 months and had no bruising however yes, my skin was very sensitive to touch and I had to wear sweat pants for what seems like forever. I was taking 900 mg Gabapentin at bedtime but am weaning off to see if it help with the neuropathy. My ROM is 115 and with the band can pull it to 123. I am to where I can do pretty much what I want however if I overdo which I do many times my leg will hurt for several days after ie...rode my bike 4 miles Sunday, stretched my leg and walked about 3000 steps as it was a quieter day. It's Tuesday and I'm still paying for it. I'm told all this is normal but it is frustrating for sure not being able to do the things I want. Hopefully by December (will be 13 months out) I'm good as I'm going to Universal and there is much walking. Keep doing the PT and the nerve issues will subside. You can take Gabapentin for that but keep in mind it must be weaned off of and not just stopped.

Gabapentin is a anticonvulsant which is also used for nerve pain. Lyrica is as well used for nerve pain. I took it prior to my TKR for pain in my neck but went off due to taking pain meds after surgery but started it back when I started having those Nerve issues when they were coming back to life in my leg. Nerve zaps are a real thing. It also helps with neuropathy due to issues as well if you experience any of that. The sensitive skin does get better as the healing process takes place but being so early in your recovery it may still be sensitive. I am now wearing jeans again and sometimes if my knee is sore I have a compression sleeve that I wear over my thigh/knee/calf area that helps immensely.

I had similar situation on my lower leg (which was where my bruising was). It slowly disappeared as the bruising resolved but, like you, I didn’t find oral pain meds helped at all. What did help was a prescription for Diclofenac ointment 8%. Give it a try. Worked for me. I had my surgery Jan 20th and it’s been resolved for some time now. Best wishes.

Thank you! That’s impressive you’re so active.
I take fluoxetine and nortriptyline for nerve issues resulting from bursitis and neuroma surgeries. I did try Gabapentin for that years ago. I’ll keep that in mind.
I so appreciate your encouragement! Yesterday at PT my ROM was 125.👍🏻

I used diclofenic prior to surgery. Great suggestion as an option when my wound closes. Thank you!

I used diclofenic prior to surgery. Great suggestion as an option when my wound closes. Thank you!

For sure - I avoided incision area & it helped that most of my pain was in lower leg, ankle area & footb

I think you might be having nerve related pain. As the nerve endings repair after surgery they can feel quite active and painful
Hydromorphone did not work for me but Lyrica which is for nerve pain was a life saver. Ask your doctor