GBS - knee replacement??
Hi everyone — I’m looking for advice and experiences from anyone with GBS or permanent nerve damage who has undergone a knee replacement later in life.
My mom has been battling Guillain-Barré Syndrome for over a year. Unfortunately, she has permanent nerve damage and is confined to a wheelchair. . She is 81 and already struggles significantly with mobility and strength.
Her doctors are discussing the possibility of a knee replacement, but I’m very concerned about what recovery, physical therapy, and rehab would realistically look like for someone in her condition. I know knee replacement recovery can be extremely demanding even for healthy people.
I’m also worried because I’ve read that surgery and anesthesia can sometimes trigger a GBS recurrence or flare, and I’d love to hear if anyone has discussed this risk with their neurologist or experienced anything similar.
Has anyone here with GBS, residual weakness, paralysis, or long-term nerve damage had a knee replacement?
How difficult was rehab/physical therapy afterward?
Were you able to regain function?
Did surgery affect your GBS symptoms in any way?
Looking back, would you do it again?
I’m just trying to gather real-life experiences so we can make the most informed decision possible for her quality of life. Thank you so much.