1. < Kidney & Bladder

Recovering after a left nephrectomy....Whats it like?

Posted by nnimblett @nnimblett, Dec 24, 2018

I am 47 yrs.and scheduled for a left nephrectomy in 2 weeks and have been managing uti and diet for the past 7 mths....what can I expect post surgery....pain, discomfort, possible complications, diet thereafter..

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 28, 2018

Welcome to Connect, @nnimblett.
You are wise to ask others about what to expect as you approach the date for a nephrectomy. I'm tagging @trishanna @kathleenla @rosemarya @jolinda @apr931 and @darlia who may have tips and insights to share as you prepare for surgery. Naturally everyone is different and your recovery will depend on many factors, including your current health status, physical fitness and more.

You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the procedure, how you prepare, results, etc of nephrectomy or kidney removal: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/home/ovc-20326175

While we wait for others to join the discussion, Nnimblett, can you tell us a bit more about you? Why does your kidney have to be removed?

REPLY
trishanna | @trishanna | Dec 28, 2018

@nnimblett Hope your surgery goes well. As Colleen Young said, though, everyone is different and recovery is based on a variety of items. My one suggestion: I was "ignored" by hospital staff insofar as walking following surgery is concerned. Luckily for me, a Night Supervisor realized what was happening and I found myself being walked at 3 a.m.! Walk! Demand to be walked! Walk even when it's the last thing in the world you want to do. Walk when you get home. If it's too cold, whatever, walk back and forth in your residence. Drove home (3 hours) two days after surgery - not bad at 78, I think.

REPLY
1 reply
granny50846 | @granny50846 | Jan 1, 2019

I am scheduled for a partial nephrectomy Jan.23,2019..had several months to think about it so now it's getting close I am really scared...surgeon is doing it robotically...my main concern is the mass part of it is in the kidney and part of it is not...they have already told me since it is solid mass most likely cancer...but said after mass is removed cancer is gone...what worries me it is not contained in kidney so is there a good risk that has it spread elsewhere...I've had 2 scans to get ready for surgery and nothing has told me it has spread...wonder if scan would show if spread...found mass on mri I had for hip...seeing specialist for my hip wed. Wonder if there is connection somewhere...hope to find out more wed. I hate worrying but husband just finished battling colon cancer for yr.treatments...now wonder if my turn!

REPLY
1 reply
Charlie | @ca426 | Jan 2, 2019

Try to put your trust in your surgeons and not to be afraid, the mind has a big effect on your body.....stay positive, I know its difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

REPLY
1 reply
granny50846 | @granny50846 | Jan 2, 2019
In reply to @ca426 "Try to put your trust in your surgeons and not to be afraid, the mind has..." + (show)
@ca426

Try to put your trust in your surgeons and not to be afraid, the mind has a big effect on your body.....stay positive, I know its difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jump to this post

Thank you for suggestions it is hard to stay positive but I am really trying!

REPLY
nnimblett | @nnimblett | Jan 3, 2019
In reply to @trishanna "@nnimblett Hope your surgery goes well. As Colleen Young said, though, everyone is different and recovery..." + (show)
@trishanna

@nnimblett Hope your surgery goes well. As Colleen Young said, though, everyone is different and recovery is based on a variety of items. My one suggestion: I was "ignored" by hospital staff insofar as walking following surgery is concerned. Luckily for me, a Night Supervisor realized what was happening and I found myself being walked at 3 a.m.! Walk! Demand to be walked! Walk even when it's the last thing in the world you want to do. Walk when you get home. If it's too cold, whatever, walk back and forth in your residence. Drove home (3 hours) two days after surgery - not bad at 78, I think.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the advice...will take note...

REPLY
bdade59 | @bdade59 | Jan 3, 2019

Hi,I had my left remove I had kidney cancer 1991.was in the H ostpital for 10 days..on liqs.. no food,great doctors...no complications...soreness..but not alot of pain..took meds after 3 days no regular meds.....

REPLY
bdade59 | @bdade59 | Jan 3, 2019
In reply to @granny50846 "I am scheduled for a partial nephrectomy Jan.23,2019..had several months to think about it so now..." + (show)
@granny50846

I am scheduled for a partial nephrectomy Jan.23,2019..had several months to think about it so now it's getting close I am really scared...surgeon is doing it robotically...my main concern is the mass part of it is in the kidney and part of it is not...they have already told me since it is solid mass most likely cancer...but said after mass is removed cancer is gone...what worries me it is not contained in kidney so is there a good risk that has it spread elsewhere...I've had 2 scans to get ready for surgery and nothing has told me it has spread...wonder if scan would show if spread...found mass on mri I had for hip...seeing specialist for my hip wed. Wonder if there is connection somewhere...hope to find out more wed. I hate worrying but husband just finished battling colon cancer for yr.treatments...now wonder if my turn!

Jump to this post

Some time we may can't reverse,but we can hold it steady! Keep your interpeace.work with what you have,joy,peace,family,stay focus on the great things in your life,it only natural to worry,but. Keep a postive mind and and prayer.

REPLY
nnimblett | @nnimblett | Jan 24, 2019

It is 2 weeks since I completed my left nephrectomy surgery. I left hospital after 3 nights. I took the advice of walking walking as soon as could Around the hospital hall way..I’m still sore but coming along. Now off the strong meds and going to do a post op metabolic work up to see why I formed large kidney stones. Thankful to be alive and kicking through recovery. Grateful for all advice and encouragement received. Trying to work through a suitable diet going forward with my dietician.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.