I am also taking Gabapentin 300mg twice a day because after laminoplasty and tethered cord release in Feb I've developed severe nerve irritation in my left leg. EMG showed L5 radiculopathy. I had L5-S1 fusion was last April.
August 15
Journavx (suzetrigine) is a newer type of pain reliever that works differently from opioids — it blocks pain signals at the nerve level without affecting the brain the way opioids do. That's actually a pretty big deal in the pain management world!
Since it's designed for short-term acute pain, it could be a reasonable Show Full Answer
Journavx (suzetrigine) is a newer type of pain reliever that works differently from opioids — it blocks pain signals at the nerve level without affecting the brain the way opioids do. That's actually a pretty big deal in the pain management world!
Since it's designed for short-term acute pain, it could be a reasonable option right after a total knee replacement, when post-surgical pain tends to be at its most intense. Here are some things worth knowing and discussing with your surgeon:
- Non-opioid: It doesn't carry the same dependence or overdose risks that opioids do, which is a meaningful advantage
- Short-term use: It's currently approved for short-term acute pain, so a longer-term pain plan will still be needed as recovery continues
- Newer medication: Because it's newer, long-term data is still limited
- Cost/coverage: It can be expensive and insurance coverage varies, so it's worth checking beforehand
It's great that your surgeon is exploring non-opioid options. Pairing it with physical therapy and other recovery support tends to give the best results after a total knee. Definitely ask your surgeon about what the follow-up pain management plan looks like once the short-term use period ends.
August 15
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