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?

[Leahrifka]

Hi. I know it has been a little over a year since your post, but I am having what appears to be the same problem, and was wondering if your bulge went away. I donated my kidney five weeks ago, and I am freaking out over this bulge on my right abdominal area.The incision looks good, but the bulge concerns me. I had a CAT scan done a few weeks ago and the doc said, "Everything looks good", but I had a completely flat stomach and now I look like I have a lopsided pregnancy. I hope to get a response. Thank you, sincerely.

[amberlv33]

I'm 5 weeks out post OP. I had a right open postural Nephrectomy. I'm a over all healthy 31 year old female. I too have had a lot of abdominal pain post surgery. But my pain is just about 2 inches above my belly button off to the right. It aches 24\7 I did have VA CT scan to of now after having 5 I am deathly allergic to CT contrast. Landed me in the hospital for 3.5 days. Ugh!
They did get results to the scan..which only showed fluid retention under the muscle and skin....  :( this frustrates me, because I have no clue if the reason why it still hurts. I have also been running a low grade fever since surgery. 99.9 to 101.4 ??I over all feel ok just achy and some pain....so if anybody has been experiencing this,or had it figured out please share! Thanks fir your time! God Bless you all!!! Oh and my cancer was Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma...

[rosycheeks]

Unfortunately, not good news.  I am now 5 years post surgery and the bulge is worse then ever.  At my five year CT scan it showed a small amount of bowel in the incisional area.  Again my doctor said I should watch for worsening but did not recommend surgery to repair the area.  Now I am worried I may be damaging the area as I am pretty active with gardening - lifting, digging, and carrying.  

[LisaD1964]

I read your post and it sounded like something I would write as I am in exactly the same boat as you.  Your post is from 3 years ago, just wondering how your bulge is now?  I am 7 months post-op and was told my bulge is not fixable.

[jonf50]

It sounds like you may have what is called a "flank Bulge." This happens from cutting one of the thoracic intercostal nerves, usually nerve 11 or 12. Unfortunely there is not much you can do about if one of these nerves is severed. I do core exercises, but I amconcerned this may be making my bulge worse. My partial nephrectom was in August 2008.


Jon

[AngelB718]

Just had a partial nephrectomy on Nov13th. I am having numbness and sever pain in the kidney and am being told by my doctor that I should no longer be in pain. Am I crazy? Btw it was RCC (left side) I'm glad to be cancer free but the pain won't quit. Please let me know if this is normal?.