Recovery after partial nephrectomy for cancer

[rosycheeks]

I am six weeks post-op from a partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.  I have done well in the recovery period, only complication was a UTI which was treated with an antibiotic. The pain is minimal at this time, controlled by Advil if needed.  I find am unable to do physical work for more than an hour without getting shaky and sweaty......when can I expect to return to normal tolerance for activity?

[Wilsybabe]

I had an open partial neprectomy 5 wks ago and I have constant pain in my lung when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing or anything that involves any type of chest movement. I also have pain in my left arm a lot of the time especially in bed or when just sat. I am waiting for an app to go for a ct scan, but all the same very worrying. Happy to be cancer free but very uncomfortable. Has anyone had the same problem.?

[sandramaree]

Hi,I can sympathise with your frustration as I am 4 weeks post op after open partial nephrectomy and still experiencing alot of pain also.My 17 year old daughter is due to give birth in 6 weeks and now my 26 year old who is living back home now has to have heart surgery for w.p.w so hoping this pain subsides soon,all the very best to your in your recovery,blessings to you

[sharinanne]

so glad I found this board. I had partial nephrectomy Jan. 2014,felt pretty good for about 4 weeks until post-surgery follow up.  A few days before I went in, I knew I was getting a UTI (suddenly going to bathroom all the time,or feeling like I had to) so asked surgeon to check urine, and was told it was okay except for small amount of blood, which was to be expected, but follow up with family Dr.  It got worse, and did get an antibiotic called in.  Seemed to take care of it, but now I am sore most of the time (area right below scar area -about the size of my hand.  I was convinced that something had gone horribly wrong or had developed a hernia.  I just assumed that since it was pretty pain free for a couple of weeks, I was over the worst.  But now, reading all your comments(while I was going to give it another week, before calling Dr.-which I will still do-as I can see it can be a result of other things and , now feel more knowledgable(?) about real concerns..  I feel I had a very good Dr. but , should have done much more research or been better informed of how long the recovery could take. Did anyone else have reaction like this, where they felt better and , then, started dealing with constant pain and uncomfortableness?

[LisaD1964]

My urologist sent me for a CT scan to see exactly what was going on with my bulge.  The CT scan shows that I have a 7cm neck (aka HOLE!) and that the hernia "contains multiple uncomplicated loops of small bowel".  Lovely.  I was told that if the hole was smaller there would be risk of bowel strangulation, but since the hole is as large as it is, bowel strangulation should not happen.  I was also told that as I get older, the hole can get bigger.   He is referring me to a general surgeon who he says "fixes these all the time".  First, I'm wondering, WHY do I have a hole?  Did the urologist not sew me up properly after the nephrectomy - which I had laparoscopically?  I will go see the general surgeon to see what my options are, but I am very reluctant to have this hernia repaired as I have read a lot of stories that indicate the hernia/bulge can return, or worse complications, mostly rigidness and chronic pain.  Right now, aside from the very unsightly bulge (big as a grapefruit), I don't have much pain from in.  I wear abdominal binders for support.  I wear those 24/7 and it helps, and I hope it will prevent the bulge from getting bigger.  I'm frustrated!

[JennDaveHardy2008]

I had a partial nephrectomy done back in November of last year.  About 2 months after my surgery I was still having pain and the "buldge" showed up.  Here it is September and I have debilitating pain and the "buldge" is bigger than ever.  I have had countless CT's, Ultrasounds, and am on high doses of Loritab for pain which I can't take at work.  I can't walk around Wal-Mart for more than 20 minutes with my wife then I am pushing the cart trying to keep myself up from all the pain and tightness.  I have had surgeons tell me that there is no hernia and I am fine and its something I am going to have to get used to.  This is unacceptable.  I am in  the military and have to keep and certian weight. They do a body fat test on me with a tape measure and the where they tape is exactly where the "buldge" is.  This is affecting my way of life.  I can't work out, I can't walk, I can't play with my kids.  I know I'm ranting on but is there anyone out there that might have a solution.  Me and my wife are at the end of our ropes.

[Leahrifka]

Oops...I meant to say, "A little over three years since your post." Nonetheless, I hope to here a positive reply. Thanx. I've been crying a lot over this...and praying.