I will probably be having an open procedure

There are a few members who have taken care of themselves after the op. I can only speak from personal experience, I had a partial nephrectomy in March. I was up and walking around, albeit bent over, the day after sugery. I was in Hospital for four days, but walked the corridor a couple of times a day and showered etc. without assistance, but of course you are monitored. 

When I got home, I had my husband to deal with things. I couldn't stand for long periods so I stayed on the recliner most of the time. You will also sleep much better in a reclined position and it is easier to raise yourself up.  I walked everyday with my husbands help, and then slept for hours, the exhaustion is overwhelming. So having someone to take care of the meals etc., for me was a must. For the first couple of weeks it was a bit of a struggle, but I kept walking further to improve my lungs and build stamina. The third week I was still in pain and very tired but much more mobile. 

If you can't have someone stay are they close by if you need to call? I personally think it better to have someone with you for the first few days, until you see how you feel, because we all respond to operations differently. I can tell you that for several weeks all you will want to do is sleep, the fatigue just suddenly hits you and everything comes to a stop. You will need to keep on top of the pain so that does not add to the tiredness, I was on strong doses of paracetamol but I am in Europe, it is probably different for you.

All the best with your surgery:)

Djinnie x

It is good to have someone around. You may not NEED someone but you will definitely WANT someone. I was spoiled and had my twin sister come out for the week after I got our of the hospital. I was mobile enough to climb stairs and go to the bathroom immediately so I guess I did not have to have her there.  (The constipation made going to the BR an exercise in futility!) I had some percocet for a couple of days but got off them quickly.           Having someone with you is a good support.  I also found friends and family really wanted to help and felt good when they were asked to do something for me.  I stayed on my right side after my left open. I do not think a walker would be helpful.  Best of luck to you both!  L~

JoanneNH said:

Hi Sandi:  My surgery is

Hi Sandi:  My surgery is scheduled for September 17.

We are almost twins I hope

We are almost twins I hope your surgery goes well. We will have to meet up here when we can afterward and cheer each other on! Are you in the US? I am in Minnesota.

Sandi45 said:

We are almost twins I hope

We are almost twins I hope your surgery goes well. We will have to meet up here when we can afterward and cheer each other on! Are you in the US? I am in Minnesota.

That post didn't situate it's self where I thought it was going, but I am sure JoAnneNH you figured out I was talking to you

This last week is going to be a long one, waiting on the surgery date. I am making a list of things I want to do and get done before I go in. I am working part of the week at my job and have my pre op physical one day.  I also want to clean the house from top to bottom and get a few things organized. I am sad that I am going to miss the end of the gardening season, so I will probably clean up my garden a bit and freeze the rest of the vegetables. 

Or maybe I will  take a nap, haha.

JoanneNH said:

Is there anything you can

Is there anything you can take to help with the constipation?  Would adding some liquid fiber (like Metamucil) help at all?

I drank prune juice that did the trick for me!

Djinnie

Miashelle1 said:

Hi Joanne.
I had a walker

Hi Joanne.

I had a walker when I first got out of bed in the hospital, for balance really but it did help me scoot along better and give me more confidence to walk. They gave me it to take home but I did not need it. I used a stick for a week but really only because I was so shakey with anxiety. I dont have a recliner so my husband got me two of those v shaped pillows. I had one behind me on top of three soft normal pillows and the other one i lengthened out into one long pillow and sort of slept on it sideways and it was ok. As for pain...the first couple of days in High Dependancy they gave me morphine orally with a syringe and it was very good for pain although I remeber feeling completely out of it for those two days. I got to the ward on day three and asked for Paracetamol only and did very very well on four doses a day. The first night on the ward I asked for the drain, catheter and drip to be removed and they did that for me. I drank loads of water and just kept getting out of bed and I walked that ward till i dropped. They didnt stop me just kept an eye on me. It definatley helped both physically and emotionally and I became very determined to get home asap.

I also had some bowel issues...they gave me senocot and lactulose and that worked. I found it easier to roll out of bed. The thing I hated most was the bloating and the dragging feeling I got when i did to much. I did slow it all down.

I found it very very helpfull to have company and my husband took some time of work. My daughter is a nurse and they gave her some leave to help me. Also I could not have prepared a meal and also do household chores etc. Maybe your friends could do some kind of food rota for you as this will help no end. My husband fed me fresh organic food in the form of stews soups and salads. I know I was lucky to have this. If your friends come in with food etc than that will help with the company. Also, be kind to yourself that really helps.

Michelle x

I did not need any help other than they gave me a stool softener...  I was regular on day two after surgery, and every day there after..  We are all different, you may be just fine..! (hope so).   I think the drink plenty of water is the best tip...  I must say, that at about day 4 or 5 post surgery, I was enjoying the hospital experience.. sounds odd, I know.. but..   I had great treatment, a menu to order food.. etc..   I used a walker on day two, but that was a confidence thing.. never used it since.  My legs worked fine, even though they were huge due to excess fluids..

Ron

JoanneNH said:

Thanks for the post, Ron.

Thanks for the post, Ron.  Hope you don't mind me asking a question:  why were your legs swollen?  Was it because your kidney was in "shock" from the sugery?  Fluid administered during surgery?  

P.S.  Sorry for all the questions.  This is my first surgery.

Hi Joanne... Oh, I had been given 10 liters of fluid..  My surgery was a bit complicated, and or course there were some complications..  My entire lower body was huge.. nuff said.. no reasone to give any more details..     Took many days to finally get to normal size..  You should not be in that position.. trust me..!

Ron

for me te easiest way to get out of the bed was to roll onto the right side in a semi fetal position, use your elbows to push yourself up and bring your legs gently to the floor.  does that make sense?  get as much rest as you can and that really does help and take it as easy for the first few days.  they will get you up as soon as joanne even if it is just to sit in the chair by the bed.

eims x