I've had pn since 1999. I had a knee replacement in 2008, and esophagus and gall bladder surgeries since then. It's been my experience that doctors always prescribe fluoroquinolones to prevent infection following surgery, even if you tell them about your neuropathy and that this family of antibiotics will make it worse. The last time I had surgery the doctor told me that I didn't give him much of a choice as far as drugs to prevent infection after surgery.

The only drugs I take at present are synthroid and eye drops for glaucoma; however, I take all the recommended supplements because I have the burning/cold feet all the time. I also have eliminated sugar from my diet. I use the magnesium lotion that Mrs D recommends on the inside of my arms and on my ankles at night. Actually, I get along pretty well in spite of the burning/cold feet, and count my blessings that I can take a daily 20-30 minute walk around the park every day.

I would wait as long as possible to have knee surgery cuz there's no replacement that works as well as the one you were born with! However, when you get that bone-on-bone pain, I know you'll do about anything to stop it. Just be sure you follow through and do all the exercises following surgery cuz you don't want a stiff knee! Good luck.

Joan

[QUOTE=Joano;920991]I've had pn since 1999. I had a knee replacement in 2008, and esophagus and gall bladder surgeries since then. It's been my experience that doctors always prescribe fluoroquinolones to prevent infection following surgery, even if you tell them about your neuropathy and that this family of antibiotics will make it worse. The last time I had surgery the doctor told me that I didn't give him much of a choice as far as drugs to prevent infection after surgery.

Hi Joan, Thanks for your reply. You're the first person I've found with feet neuropathy who's had knee replacement. I've gone to cancer suppot groups, asked my doctor, asked all kinds of people and finally was led to this site. I'm so happy to get to communicate with you. (It took me awhile to learn how to respond to you on this site) The main thing I want to know is if the knee replacement made your neuropathy any worse? However I appreciate all the other info too. What caused your neuropathy? Mine was from chemotherapy. I'm not afraid of the knee replacement as I know so many people who've had it with good results. But they don't have neuropathy. Any info willbe greatly appreciated. I'd like to find several people with these same situations but you're the only one so far. Do you think I should just post my question again? I'm interested in the info about the antibiotics that affect neuropathy that you wrote of too. Sounds like your knee replacement wasn't too helpful. I'm sorry about that. Maybe you could try a revision. But as you said, thank God you can walk in the park each day. Good luck and I'll look forward to your reply. Skippyfeet.

I see you have figured out how to reply....
There is only one more hurdle....you are cutting out the ending quote tag --it looks like this: [/quote]

You need to leave that in, so your words will be separated from those you are quoting. The ending quote tag should show up at the end of the words you are quoting.

I'd also suggest you read our subforum. One thread about supplements addresses chemo induced nerve damage.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread121683.html

Acetyl carnitine is explained there, and has been used for chemo induced neuropathy. You are somewhat late, but I'd try it anyway.

I do consider my knee replacement a success--I was down to bone-on-bone, my knee slipped all the time, and I was always afraid of falling. Now I never give it a thought when I walk. I do like to hold onto a railing when going up and down stairs, but I'm satisfied with the results. The knee doesn't work as well as the original--getting up from the floor is a real problem--but I had to do something. I had the series of 3 injections twice, and they didn't help me.

Now about the neuropathy--I originally thought it was caused by taking Lipitor. It didn't start right away after I took the Lipitor and I never thought it was the cause until my daughter-in-law sent me an article from The Peoples Pharmacy about it causing pn. Now, after reading this forum for so long, I'm not sure because I'm also hypothyroid, and also have scoliosis so those two things could cause pn too.

I don't want to take any of the meds they're using now cuz I've had bad luck with drugs--the Lipitor and also fosamax. I'd rather watch my diet (eliminate sugar, night shade vegetables) and take the recommended supplements, use the magnesium lotion at night, etc. I really don't care what caused it any more.

I don't think my pn is worse after the knee replacement. You could ask your doctor what he prescribes post surgery to prevent infection. Maybe he will work with you, and maybe Mrs.D could recommend a different antibiotic for you to talk to him about using.

Joan

Hi Joan, Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear the knee replacement didn't make your neuropathy any worse and glad you think the knee relacement was a success-Both ae encouraging for me. Skippyfeet.

Glad to hear your knee replacement worked. That is hope for others that have this problem. Thanks for posting and letting us know all this information. I have heard certain meds. cause PN. I am listening! Ginnie

I had a knee replacement and I have small fiber neuropathy. I have Raynaud's in my hands and feet as well. The knee replacement didn't change the outcome or progression of the SFN, as my symptoms are equal in both feet/ankles/lower extremities and I do not need a knee replacement on the other side (I had post-traumatic arthritis and had no cartilage at all left in my right knee.).

As far as waiting, if you are in as much pain as I was, and in both knees, I can't imagine waiting to have it done. I have never regretted the surgery for an instant as at least my KNEE doesn't hurt anymore, and it was awful. Luckily, I am allergic to fluoroquinolones (and nearly all other antibiotics - not so lucky there), so they always give me a dose of IV Vancomycin in the hospital when I have surgery.

Best of luck to you,
Deb G.
KY

Dear Deb G., Thanks so much for your reply. This gives me encouragement. What is small fiber neuropathy? Do you know what caused your neuropathy? Mine came from chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. I don' t know if the type of neuropathy matters in trying to compare cases. Skippyfeet

I've had PN in my legs and feet since roughly 2006. In 2009 I had complete right knee replacement. I can honestly say my PN was no worse nor any better. What does help my PN at least 70% is 50mg of Lyrica 3 xs a day. If you haven't tried Lyrica you might want to ask your Dr. about it. Hope this helps

Dear caringaj, Thanks for your reply. I'm so happy to hear from more people who've had success with having knee replacement and it not affecting the neuropathy. My neuropathy came as a side effect from chemo for ovarian cancer. I can deal with it pretty well now but if it got worse, it would sure be hard for me. I don't know if the cause of the neuropathy matters in trying to compare cases, but just in case, do you know what caused your neuropathy?. My symptoms are coldness and numbness and once in awhile a sort of restless feet type feeling. Thanks again so much, Skippyfeet