Dear PN Angels,

I'm dealing with deteriorating knees and PN that is talking its toll.

Last spring I tried Physical Therapy because I noticed my calves and ankles atrophying. My knees began to knock and my ankles and feet turned in.

I worked and worked but after 5 weeks of therapy twice week I didn't improve enough to continue. I wish I could keep at it, without improvement, but Medicare doesn't work that way and I don't have the resources to pay it all.

My knees (osteoarthritis) are getting worse, and it is hard to know if it is PN or knees or both that makes standing and starting to move so difficult. I cannot walk any distance of course, but I manage getting around the house using walls and furniture.

I guess I will try again to ask my Orthopedist if my knees are ready for replacement. The 'good knee' is deteriorating and isn't much help now with the 'bad' knee.

Thank goodness for water exercise and time spent on the Nu Step. They save my sanity and alleviate a great deal of pain.

The BEST thing I got was handicapped tags for both cars. Being able to park at the front is a blessing.

How do you handle knee replacement with PN?

I'm on Gabapentin now (3600 mg a day) for Small Fiber Neuropathy pain. My PN didn't advance up my body, but now I have Small Fiber Neuropathy.

And Small Airway Obstruction, evidently caused by my CVID. Honestly it is ALWAS something.

So any ideas? I can't take opioid pain medications, so how will knee replacement surgery work?

Hugs, ElaineD