open partial nephrectomy

I had a open nephrectomy on 1/3/13. I am a 47 year female and had a 11cm mass contained inside my right kidney. Everything went well the biggest issue will be

pain.  When you wake up you will be on oxygen and have a cathater so you dont have to get out of bed and the nurses will measure your urine.  I wasn't allowed to

eat for 4 days only ice chips.  The sooner u get up and walk after surgery the faster you will heal.  I spent five days in the hospital and since being home I get up as

often as I can.  Each day gets easier and I take my pain meds as directed b/c if u dont the pain is awful.  I have 45 stitches from my diaphram down towards my appendix

area and i lost a rib b/c it was in the way.  Just follow all your doctor's instructions and everything should be fine I sit in my recliner a lot and lay on the other side of my

body in bed.  The only meds they prescribed me was pain meds and stool softners.