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6 mths After TKR and have got bad sciatica

Posted , 5 users are following.

rose05408
rose05408

I had my left TKR 6 mths ago and still have stiffness and pain. I have a 125 degree bend and at my check up I saw a consultant physiotherapist instead of the consultant. Ive had constant sciatica and pins and needles in my left foot since Ive been back at work. I had sciatica before the op but it had got better. I cant believe how much pain Im in. Im trying Gabapentin and hope it works and now have to be re referred to a back specialist.Has anyone else had this? I feel in a much worse place than I was before the op.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • pam92068
    pam92068 rose05408

    Posted

    Rose,  I am now 11 months tkr.  Had the pins and needles in my feet too. My was a very sudden onset and I could barley walk...this was at 4 months for me. Gabapentin worked GREAT for me.  It does have to build up in your system, takes a bit, but try to take it at the same time every day.

    good luck!!

    pam

    • rose05408
      rose05408 pam92068

      Posted

      Thanks Pam, I hope it works, its making it very difficult at work and I dont want any more time off, I was off for 13 wks with the TKR. Im definately not having the other knee done. Im on one tablet a day for a wk then build up to 9 a day so will have to wait and see, I hope yours gets better soon x
  • pam92068
    pam92068 rose05408

    Posted

    Rose,  give it time, it really does get better.  I can say I am very happy I had my TKR, now.  Many times I wished I hadn't.  Every time I had something come up new, I wished I had not had surgery.  I had to realize that we all over compensate for the pain prior to surgery.....therefore we have to readjust after and go thru those pains after.

    You are only half way to the magic year mark.  Hang in there.

    i am in the states, but found a great over the counter pain reliever for the sciatica.  That has been my latest thing for about 2 months.  It is called Magnilife Leg and Back pain relief.  It is amazing.  If you can not get over the counter it can be ordered online.

    good luck,

    Pam

  • lin73970
    lin73970 rose05408

    Posted

    Hi there, well am I glad to read that someone else has got this! I had botk tkrs over a year  ago now and in the last month I have chronic sciatica so bad it stops me walking! My doc just gave me anti inflammatory pills but they don't really work to top the awful pins and needles! I was thing it. Just be just me until I read your post! Perhaps I should try gabapentin as well.

    hope yours improves!

  • tammy11224
    tammy11224 rose05408

    Posted

    Oh Rose, so sorry to hear you're having such a rough go of it. The Gabapentin has helped me. But the biggest thing that has helped me is this website with so many caring and supportive folks-all in the same boat (so to speak - though we all have such different stories). One of the big takeaways for me has been the importance of listening to our bodies. My surgeon suggested I might be able to return to work at 4 weeks and that just simply didn't ring true. I am now considering abbreviated hours at 6 weeks. And even still only time will tell. I hope you'll find comfort in the comaraderie and shared stories on this site. I wish you the very best in your recovery.

    Tammy

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX rose05408

    Posted

    Read the Sciatica Section...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499

    Very common.  Get to a Chiropractor.  My ortho recommended one when I got sciatica after the TKR.  Meds just mask the pain...don't correct the underying condition.  However...

    Sciatica usually affects one leg or the other and can be caused by a pinched sciatic nerve anywhere along the line.  This time, my locked SI joints after surgery caused the problem.  We all change our gait to avoid the knee pain and throw our backs and/or hips out of alignment.  The fix will take a few sessions with a chiro.  However...

    Five years ago, I had a major sciatic problem that was caused by a bone spur "crushing" (doc's word) the sciatic nerve at L4/L5.  Needed spine surgery (laminectomy) to fix it.  One day later, zero pain, no rehab.  However...

    Now I have sciatc pain down BOTH legs.  Only one thing causes this: stenosis.  The channels that the nerves run through from the spine itself and out of the vertebrae are constricting nerves on both sides from L1 through L5.  Looking at more spine surgery in February.  Lots of pain, very dificult to walk, no strength in my legs.  Stenosis.  Hope you don't have that.

    So...  Lots of things can cause sciatic pain.  A quick x-ray from a chiro can show if it's a simple fix.  If not, you're looking at MRI and a neurosurgeon.  The good news is that it's all completely fixable...but will take some time.  Voltaren Gel (RX USA) is a GREAT topical anti-inflammatory that can be helpful.  The pain killers are mostly useless and cause other side effects.  Gabapentin made me gain 20 pounds.  No drugs.  Get the problem identified and fixed.

    • tammy11224
      tammy11224 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Yikes on the Gabepentin!!! Just finished my course!! I do NOT need to gain weight! Thanks for the tip! I am headed to my chiropractor next week!
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