Different Foot Problem

[1da313]

I am a newbie, and I really need some help, advice whatever you can provide. I am 9 weeks post op tkr on the right knee, I had an epideral anesthesia. On the day after surgery it was removed. I began to get feeling back in every part of my lower body but the right foot. It felt like I had a dose of novacaine injected into it. It started to hurt and although it was warm to the touch, it felt like it was frozen. It became hypersensitive to touch and it was numb, I was told by everyone that it should be okay in a few days. A few days has now become 9 weeks. I have had an EMG and was told that it was a back problem (had fusion 2005) but I had no symptoms or problems like this before tkr, so I am not buying that diagnosis. Another nuerologist said, it just might take some time, maybe up to a year. Try living with pain in the foot as well as a knee that is still swollen, won't bend and painful. I had a manipulation @ 7weeks with aggressive PT for 5 days week for 2 weeks and have gained a little more ROM. I cry alot and wonder why I see a eighty year old lady that was ok after 4weeks and I am having such a hard time. I have not taken any NASIDS. Although I am allergic to ibuprofen I know there are others. Any advice anyone???

 

[Texas]

Welcome I am sorry you are having a ruff time. I had a TKR with a nerve block in the leg so I cant help in that sense. Others will be along soon to offer advice. Hang in there. I hope things get better for you. They are terrific here and very supportive. Sorry I couldnt help. But glad you joined us. .Kim

 

[Jamie]

Welcome to the forum, 1da313. I am so sorry to hear of all you are going through! Our forum nurse, Josephine, will check in soon and will probably have some thoughts about your foot. I have not heard of anyone here that had something like this happen after their TKR. But I think you should keep after the doctors until they can tell you something more definitive about why your foot feels this way. And, if you have pain, you need to be taking something stronger than NSAIDS. If you have inflammation in your foot, you aren't taking anything to help it since you say you aren't taking even NSAIDS. You may need to talk to your regular doctor to get a prescription. Sometimes the knee and hip surgeons don't address after-surgery pain very well. Since your knee is swollen also, this indicates you do have inflammation there that should be treated with some type of anti-inflammant pain medication. When you get that under control, you should make more progress in bending your knee.

 

[Josephine]

Well, it's a sad fact that there are complications with spinal/epidural anaesthesias and they can be very long lasting. One of these complications is that they can stir up pains from a previous spinal problem so I think you'd be wrong to dismiss it as an explanation. I'd go see another neurologist and get a second opinion, if I were you.

If you have problems with ibuprofen, then you are likely to have problems with most other NSAIDs as well which are actually quite a mild analgesic. And I agree with Jamie - you should be on something stronger in the way of painkillers.

 

[1da313]

Thank you everyone for your help. I did speak with my Primary physician about getting a referral for a second opnion (because the dr. I want to see only see you if you have a physician referral), she said that she does not believe that the neurologist report was not correct and that a second opnion is not needed. If she lived the pain and suffering that I am living then she can tell me no second opnion, until then she can not tell me anything, Needless to say, she is no longer my primary. Do you think I am wrong?

 

[Josephine]

I think that if you want a second opinion or a third or even a fourth, it's not for her to say, it's your right.

 

[Jamie]

1da313, I think you are ABSOLUTELY correct to change doctors. I have NEVER heard of someone challenging a patient's request for another opinion. Pretty cheeky!!! Hope you find a good new primary very soon and get to the doc you want to see.

 

[Hope810]

In USA, it depends on the insurance one has to determine the need for medical treatment. If it is an HMO then the primary care doctor has to manage costs for the medical case. DA, I think you did right asking for another primary care doc. You need someone who understands your needs and suggest the medical care needed, not just put you off. My best to you. Good luck.

Hope

 

[1da313]

I would like to thank all of you for your support. I have found another primary and waiting to see a new neurologist mid -May.Will keep you posted. Thanks