Open Partial Nephrectomy

I was a 36 year old,healthy and athlete who went from Gym to emergency room and guess what, I had 10 cm malignant tumor in the right kidney.  I could handle my personal work.  but not very easily on the third day after the surgery, but needed some around for at least a week in case of emergency. Fortunately nothing bad happend but it was a good decision I believe. Handling a preschooler's job is very difficult for someone who has just had a major surgery so atleast a week or even two weeks. I came back to work after 45 days because I could use my paid vacation but otherwise  a month would be enough.

Forough

myvan said:

I'm 40 and fairly healthy.

I'm 40 and fairly healthy. I'm planning on taking 6 weeks off work, but I certainly can't be away from my baby that long! Im figuring on her being cared for by others for at least a week, maybe. The separation will be difficult for both us.

Hi myvan,

Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join - and sorry for the initiation.

You will be sore, no doubt, but you will probably be surprised at how well you actually feel (given the circumstances). After a week you will most likely be okay to have your daughter home with you. If you can, prep some meals and freeze them ahead of time, and do anything you can ahead of time so you won't be feeling too much pressure to get these things done.

Take care!

Hugs

Jojo

APny said:

Hi Myvan

I had an open partial and while everyone's recovery is different, mine was relatively easy. Surgery Monday morning, up and walking around hospital ward in the evening, and home Wednesday afternoon. Sitting at my computer and doing work on Thursday. I was fortunate in that the location of my tumor allowed for a small (under 5 inch) incision, no staples, and hence I believe and easier recovery than someone with a large incision. I think I agree with the one week for someone to take care of your daughter. Lifting is a no no for many weeks, and you won't be able to drive for about 2 - 3 weeks. Or so I was told. Couple of things would make it easier for you. I got these tips from this forum:

1. take a pillow from home for when you go home. That way the seatbelt won't rub against your incision and you have some cushioning.

2. bring a large plastic garbage bag for the way home. Put it on the seat and this way you can just swivel and slide into position instead of twisting and turning when getting in and out.

3. get a large body pillow and a wedge for your bed. Many needed to sleep in a recliner but i was lucky that between the wedge and body pillow I could sleep easily in my own bed.

4. finally, drink and walk as much as possible as soon as possible. It aids in recovery and also in moving your bowels. I found I needed a stool softener so have some on hand.

Wishing you the best and I can honestly say that my fear and anticipation of the surgery was a lot worse than the reality. It's no fun and I woudln't want to do it again but it was no where near as bad as I made it in my imagination.  

Hi myvan,

Everything everyone else said here is solid advice.  APny went to the same surgeon/hospital and had similar results.  We all are slightly different and our results may differ.  But as I have said here before, the anticipation of the surgery is much worse than the surgery itself and the recovery.  My surgery was Thursday morning, and I was doing laps in the recovery wing of the hospital Thursday evening.  I was home on Saturday, with a long drive back to suburban NJ from NYC.  The Saturday after surgery was my worst and most uncomfortable day.  By Monday, I was walking 6 miles each day. I tend to take things to extreme, and I was adamant that I was going to follow my doctor's advice and walk as much as I could ater the surgery.  Fortunately, for me, my surgery was in July, and it was excactly a 1.5 mile walk to the beach from my house.  So this was a goal/destination.  I would walk once in the morning, and again in the early evening.  Nothing better than strolling down to the ocean/beach to take in nature's beauty.

I was also bad about following advice on driving.  I was driving within 10 days.  

I slept in a recliner for 2 or 3 weeks because I am a stomach sleeper, and this kept me from rolling over on my incision.

I drank LOTS of water, and I still do. This is important.

The hospital should also give you an inspirometer, which will help you with your breathing after the surgery.

All in all, looking back, it was not a big deal, but I remember the anxiety and fear leading up to my surgery were terrible.

Good luck.

myvan said:

I'm 40 and fairly healthy.

I'm 40 and fairly healthy. I'm planning on taking 6 weeks off work, but I certainly can't be away from my baby that long! Im figuring on her being cared for by others for at least a week, maybe. The separation will be difficult for both us.

I am 38 and had an open partial in October. I also have a 10 and 7 year old. My recovery took a bit longer than some of the people on this board. Surgery on Thursday and home on the Monday. I would say that indeed at least a week would be good. If you can prepare meals, etc for a longer period of time as I was really not able to stand for long periods of time for about three weeks. Do you have someone neat by that can drop in and help with a few chores along the way? Really hoping that all goes well and that you recover quickly!

medic1971 said:

lifting

Your biggest issue is going to be lifting restrictions.  Mine was set at no more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks and that's hard when you have a little one.    

 

Good luck!

I was told 2 gallons

I had a full nephrectomy so I can't relate to a partial.  So all I can do is wish you nothing but the best for a sucessful and pain free surgery.

Mark

myvan,   I had a open right radical nephrectomy.   Cut from center about 2 inches below sternum parallel to rib to my side about a 9 inch cut and about 16 staples I think.    Biggest issue was weakness in trying to get up out of bed.  I slept in my lounger chair for about 2 weeks to ease into getting up.   I planned on going back to work at 4 weeks and ended up taking it to 6 weeks.  I could have gone back a little sooner but I dont regret the conservative approach.  The suture itched for about a year and occsionally i still notice it (now two years).  You will be fine and if the Dr. needs to open things up to get a good look, no worries.  As some have mentioned walking is really helpful but you will be limited to what you can pick up for at least 2-4 weeks so be very careful lifting.   Good luck.

Kdemart15 said:

I went through a similar

I went through a similar situation.  I have a 4 yr old and now a 21 month old.  The more you can relax in the begining the quicker you will begin to heal.  Take all the help people maybe offering whether its watching your child or cooking meals for you take what you can get.  As much as you may want to just dont pick your little one up. 

I had a lap partial in June and had a 3 (now 4) year old.  My husband also works at night so I had a lot of the same concerns. I am 44 and healthy.  I was up and around after partial. I did not go back to desk job until 4 weeks but did take care of my 3 year old just fine. I never lifted her but I was able to help with the daily routine and I cooked dinner.  What helped me is I also went for long walks in the day time. I did this a few days after surgery. I actually felt great.  My daughter was in pre-school so I dropped her off at school, went for my walk and came home and rested/napped for a few hours.  I felt fine but never over did it. Here is the kicker, when I went back to work and sat all day I would come home more exhausted and had back pain. I think the excercise was key and not sitting too long. 

Your mass is small and after you recover from surgery this most likely will be the end of it, with the exception of scan time where you may relive the whole ordeal for a week or two.

All the best, Shecka.