TKR TKR with pre-existing nerve problems.

[sazzie]

Hello,
I am a 59 yr old female.
I have had nerve issues with my right leg for around 7 years now.
I think this initially started from a lumbar disc herniation.
This has resulted in a weaker right leg than the other.
I have tried Physio etc, but the nerve problems are still there (can't stand on toes, no "push off" for running, weaker right leg, slight tingling).
I also have arthritis in the right knee for 7 yrs.
It is painful and I struggle to go up and down steps, stairs and slopes.
I struggle to bend, sit, stand, get out of cars due to the arthritis.
I have arthritis in the other knee, but it isn't as bad.
I am awaiting a TKR with a really reputable hospital and surgeon.
Probably in around 5 weeks to surgery.
Has anyone had a TKR with similar pre-existing nerve issues?
Thank you in advance for reply.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart. Thanks for joining us.
I am sorry you've been dealing with the nerve issue for so long as well as arthritis.
I am wondering if you have a surgery date scheduled? If so, please share the exact date and identify which knee you will have replaced. We will use the information to create a signature for you.

I can't really speak about the nerve issues as it's not been my experience, but hopefully others will stop by to comment, or offer advice.

I will leave some pre-op reading for you along with best wishes. I hope you'll stick around and share your journey with us. We'd love to support you along the way.

KNEE PRE-OP ARTICLES

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:

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Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee?​

Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis​

BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery​

Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?​

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:

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Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home​

Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery​

Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?​

Regardless of where you are in the process, the website and app My Knee Guide can help you stay organized and informed. The free service keeps all the information pertaining to your surgery and recovery in one place on your smartphone. It is intended to be a personal support tool for the entire process.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at some stories of amazing knee recoveries

 

[sazzie]

Thank you,
I am scheduled for a RTKR on 7/9/23

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @sazzie !

Has anyone had a TKR with similar pre-existing nerve issues

I'm not sure my experience exactly parallels yours, but I have struggled for years with back pain and sciatica from a herniated disc between L4 and L5.

In the past 4 years, I've had both a hip replacement and a knee replacement. Both were successful. The sever arthritis pain is gone and I'm now able to walk and move normally. Interesting, with all the walking I'm doing now, the pain from my back has lessened so much that some days I just forget about it.

Wishing you the best with your surgery!

 

[sazzie]

Thank you so much for your positive reply.
I was quite uplifted to hear your story.
I hope that will be the same with me.
like yourself my trouble started from an L4 l5 herniation.
seeing as i have had the same severity of symptoms for years now, i think this is as good as the sciatica gets, unless the TKR helps in a non- direct way.
I am looking forward to my road to recovery,
Thanks once more,
all the best

 

[Layla]

Hello sazzie,
Best Wishes for your surgery tomorrow. Please join us on the healing side once you’re home, resting comfortably and feeling up to it. We will have some Recovery Guidelines to share along with lots of support. Hope to see you on the flip side soon!
@sazzie

 

[EalingGran]

I'm not sure my experience exactly parallels yours, but I have struggled for years with back pain and sciatica from a herniated disc between L4 and L5.

In the past 4 years, I've had both a hip replacement and a knee replacement. Both were successful. The sever arthritis pain is gone and I'm now able to walk and move normally.

Similar to @benne68 I have spinal stenosis at L4/5 and more general lumbar arthritis. My back was worse pre my PKR with sciatica- which improved with straightening my leg and improving my gait.
There was a bad spell post op when I had lower back pain but couldn't get down on the floor or kneel to do pilates/ back exercises- which I really need to do regularly. I used naproxen until I could do my back work again.