Muscular pain along incision

ArleneByrnes

I had a partial nifferectomy in May 2024 and the remaining part of my kidney atrophied. I have a 10 inch incision along my left side and I have quite consistent pain along the site. It is most noticeable when I sleep and does wake me up. For example I'm in Australia and it is 445 in the morning and I have been awake for an hour with the pain. I would love any tips or guidance as to how I can improve or fix this I don't really want to take medication for the pain I would like to address the underlying muscular issue. Has anyone else had this?

Deanie0916

Hi Arlene, I do hope the pain is resolved. If your doctor allows, maybe some massage around the scar site might help?

donna_lee

Hi- The spelling of surgery you had is "nephrectomy", named after the nephrons that are within the kidney(s) and do the filtration work.

Incision pain is hard to deal with and different for each person. To get to the kidney, there are many layers of tissue, muscles, sheathes, fatty tissue, etc., and they grow up/down, crosswise and on a slant. Not to mention the vessels and nerves that have been interrupted. Ask your doctor if he recommends a topical cream you can rub into the skin, gently? Then what about a pain- relieving med. Even Tylenol would help. If you shower, don't use super-hot water and cool it down to finish, as the heated water can make you sweat and itch. I say shower because I don't sit in a tub to bathe.

First suggestion is to not sleep on your left side. If it hurts when/if you lie flat on your back, the muscles may have retracted during healing. Again, a good lotion may help. Or put a small pillow under your knees while sleeping to allow the muscles in the abdomen to relax.

Next up is gentle exercise. I went to the pool as soon as I was allowed. Just walked in chest deep water, then went to using the flutter kick while on my back and stomach. That will strengthen the abdominals and your back muscles. Walk, walk, walk to increase circulation. Drink plenty of water. That helps the single kidney flush the waste products and helps you avoid muscle cramps from too little fluids.

I have a degree in education to teach Physical Ed, and Health Ed. and did a lot of research as I went into surgery that I hoped I'd come out of. It will be 20 years next June since my first surgery and I'm not ready to sit in a rocking chair. I'm 82, own and help run a business, take care of a garden and landscaped yard along with the house, travel and try to keep up with my adult grandchildren.

Don't give up on yourself. There has got to be a solution that works for you. And the sooner the better.

I live on the southern Oregon coast; and can't quite see Australia from here…but I have traveled to both North and South Islands In New Zealand.

donna_lee