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Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 10:32 am
by janita
Hi all
So, Im now 2 weeks post Laparoscopic Nephrectomy. Im not feeling too bad but I am still quite sore.

I was wondering what everyone elses recovery was like who has had this procedure. Im a busy Mum of 3 children and I also have my own small business working from home. The thought of going back to my everyday tasks is really worrying me as Im just still so sore around my wound area. I drove for the first time yesterday and that was ok but I find its the every day moving around, bending etc that Im struggling with.

I know that everyone is different and recovery times are different for each person, Im just interested in other people's experiences.

The other thing I was a bit puzzled by is when I was discharged from hospital the pharmacist said that as I now have only 1 kidney I will be classed as having stage 1 kidney disease, is this true?

J x

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:35 pm
by wagolynn
Hi janita,

Providing the wound site does not look inflamed, and otherwise you feel OK, use paracetamol to keep you comfortable. Otherwise, speak to your consultant or GP.

Some remaining pain is normal, this can take a while to finally fade away.

Re Stage 1 - well at best you have half healthy kidneys capacity but if this worries you talk to your consultant, he/she knows all the background.

Best wishes

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:58 pm
by Tom Ruppel
I had the same question. My surgery was Oct. 16. I was about 90 percent pain-free after about a week, then stayed about that way forever, it seemed. I'd say I was totally pain-free about seven weeks out. I hike frequently, and went on a pretty strenuous one about then. I was a little more tired than normal, but I suspect it was just from getting out of shape rather than from the surgery. I donated plasma Dec. 16 and my BP was up, as the docs said it would be: 142/88 versus 110-ish / 65-ish pre-surgery. I'm 66. I felt better moving around rather than sitting, so if you're a busy person, I'd say that's to your advantage. I also had a harder time concentrating and reading early on. Best wishes. Tom. Dixon, CA

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 6:47 pm
by Mrs travis
I had my right kidney removed in September this year. Was discharged after 2 days and felt uncomfortable but not pain. I do get tired very quickly now but finding my new normal has taken a few months. Am so relieved to be rid of tubes and drains though. So be patient with yourself.

My surgeon didn't tell me anything except I could lead a normal life with one kidney. And if I wanted anymore children to discuss it with them before trying. However I got sick before Xmas and hospital A & E said I now borderline failing. I have no idea about stages as that's never been discussed with me. Not given any advice as my GP is as useful as a chocolate fire guard and my post op appointment not til end of February with surgeon.

Don't google anything though, as I googled why my face and ankles are swollen and scared myself to bits.

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 10:12 am
by janita
Mrs Travis
How are you feeling now?

I am now 4 weeks post op and feeling exhausted. Not alot of pain, only if I lie on the side of the op.

I did end up going to the GP last week as my hands and feet were itching so badly and he thought that it could be my remaining kidney not getting rid of the Uric Acid quickly enough and that is what is causing this flare up of itching on my palms and feet. They have given me a uric acid supplement and some anti histamine (which doesn't work).

I am not scheduled to see my Consultant again as he said everything went well and I only need a blood test after 3 months to determine my levels and this can be done at the GP surgery.

Best wishes to everyone - and Happy New Year.

J x

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:41 pm
by Mrs travis
janita wrote:Mrs Travis
How are you feeling now?

I am now 4 weeks post op and feeling exhausted. Not alot of pain, only if I lie on the side of the op.

I did end up going to the GP last week as my hands and feet were itching so badly and he thought that it could be my remaining kidney not getting rid of the Uric Acid quickly enough and that is what is causing this flare up of itching on my palms and feet. They have given me a uric acid supplement and some anti histamine (which doesn't work).

I am not scheduled to see my Consultant again as he said everything went well and I only need a blood test after 3 months to determine my levels and this can be done at the GP surgery.

Best wishes to everyone - and Happy New Year.

J x
Hi J

I feel good in myself just a little off. Starting back at the gym next week with a trainer which am quiet looking forward too. My face is swollen, but that just seems to be normal now.

That's really good and much quicker than getting results from hospitals. Hope you are feeling better, it's itching or swelling or sometimes both when eating or drinking certain foods. One can of coke and I look like the Mitchelin man lol.

Mrs T x

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 11:35 pm
by janita
I've been doing really well and felt I'd turned a corner up until about a week ago. I've been getting a lot of pain and swelling around the area where my kidney would have been. At first I thought it was because my jeans were too tight but the last few days I have purposely worn leggings to see if it would help - it hasn't. I don't understand why I'm In so much discomfort. Could it be the healing process? I'm now back to doing everything I was before eg- washing, ironing, lifting heavy shopping bags etc. My op was 4th December so I would have thought I would be ok now.

Anyone else had this?

J x

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 4:01 am
by sporti
Hi Janita

I think you might be doing too much especially with the lifting of heavy bags. Im comparing your situation with my donor. I'm thinking it's a good comparison? He was told no lifting for 8 weeks and from then on start lifting light loads and gradually work up.

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 6:51 am
by Tom Ruppel
Janita,

Based on my own experience as a donor, I'm concerned about how you're feeling six weeks after your surgery. Please contact your transplant center pronto. Odds are they'll tell you everything's OK, but that's for the doctors to decide, not bloggers without medical training.

Tom Ruppel
Dixon, CA
U.S.

Re: Nephrectomy Recovery?

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:30 am
by Mrs travis
janita wrote:I've been doing really well and felt I'd turned a corner up until about a week ago. I've been getting a lot of pain and swelling around the area where my kidney would have been. At first I thought it was because my jeans were too tight but the last few days I have purposely worn leggings to see if it would help - it hasn't. I don't understand why I'm In so much discomfort. Could it be the healing process? I'm now back to doing everything I was before eg- washing, ironing, lifting heavy shopping bags etc. My op was 4th December so I would have thought I would be ok now.

Anyone else had this?

J x
I was told no gym or heavy lifting/weights for 3 months. And no jogging for longer. You had a big operation and will take time to fully recover. Not sure but am making assumption our insides have a little more space inside and organs can move a little. Get the pain checked out by your GP. Swelling could be water retention? But get it checked just for peace of mind.