Endurance? Or lack there of

sasha_jax4
sasha_jax4 Member Posts: 43
in Kidney Cancer #1

So 4 weeks out partial nephrectomy. I’m in no way someone who is in tip top shape. However, I always have been able to just go and go. I wake up I’m good and by mid day I’m running on empty. I shoveled snow yesterday twice; usually a little invigorating. I was ready to go to bed for the rest of the day. Is this how you all were? Or is it because I’m not in top shape and now I took a hit. I have had other less fancy surgeries and I’m usually a good little work horse! Trying to find my normal. If it is normal when does the pain and sleepiness end? Or do we just push through indefinitely? Not complaining just trying to figure out if my body is saying rest or buck up?!

Comments

  • Steve.Adam
    Steve.Adam Member Posts: 463 Member
    #2
    I think it's normal

    I was still getting tired days 2 months out, but there's no schedule. You just have to wait and see.

    Maybe there's a point in time when you have been too tired for too long but I guess that's a question for the doc.

    Steve.

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    #3
    One month is way too soon to

    One month is way too soon to be shoveling snow and expecting to feel fine afterwards. I went back on the treadmill on a very slow speed after about four - five weeks and was exhausted. I was also anemic (iron deficiency) so get that checked. They put me on Slo Fe iron 2 x a day and soon I felt much more energetic.

  • klj15
    klj15 Member Posts: 38
    edited January 2018 #4
    It took me several months to

    It took me several months to get my endurance back. I’m still being treated for anemia, so that didn’t help either. It will come back slowly but surely. Hang in there!

  • sasha_jax4
    sasha_jax4 Member Posts: 43
    #5
    Thanks guys

    i keep comparing to past surgeries (csections and laminectomies) and it’s not the same. I’m waiting for my workhorse drive to kick in. This forum has been a source of sanity for me.

  • ImNotDeadYet
    ImNotDeadYet Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2018 #6
    It's all about baby steps, especially in the beginning

    It took me what felt like longer than many here to get to my new normal. At six weeks I went back to work thinking I'd rested for 2.5 months, gotten regular exercise with my dog, am feeling much better, so I am good to go. Not quite. My first day back I had to leave work early, as I was exhausted by midday. I worked from home the next day or two. It was the following week when I was able to come back to my regular schedule in the office. And even then it was a struggle with the commute and all. It was at least a month, probably more, before I felt my energy back at what I considered an acceptable level. We're all different, and we all heal at different paces. Listen to your body; it knows what it needs. And if it's more rest and less exertion right now, so be it. You'll get there when you get there. Hang in there. We've all been there, and we're here with you as you go through this.

  • Angie1496
    Angie1496 Member Posts: 154
    #7
    Give yourself time!  i had a

    Give yourself time!  i had a partial in September and still have days that I am just drained.  It was at least 12 weeks before I felt my energy normalizing.  It takes time for the kidney that is left to heal itself after being dissected.  This is what makes us so tired.  I was told the partial was a harder recovery than a full becuase the kidney had to heal.  Definately no snow shoveling for you!  I was restricted to lifting anything for about 6 weeks. Take it easy and let yourself heal.  I know its hard to do.  I wanted to jump up and do my normal routine and I physically wasn't able.  and THAT IS NORMAL!!  

  • sasha_jax4
    sasha_jax4 Member Posts: 43
    edited January 2018 #8
    Thank you! You guys are awesome!

    I look at the outside wounds and they are still not finished healing, but have come a long way. I think I kind of forget about the kidney. Lol. I’m so used to being in my head old fashioned toughy. I have a Grandma who used to work after her chemo. I kind of like to barrel through like the other women in my family. I will try to be patient and realize it will get there. I like a challenge, but just need to know when it’s too much. You all have been so much help!

  • stevez
    stevez Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2018 #9
    4 Weeks Post Op Here

    And still have times when I'm really tired/exhausted.  I'm going back to work Monday as I have a desk job and hopefully won't fall asleep at my desk.  My energy levels have increased steadily but not 100% at all.  I'll work shorter schedules if I have to; wait and see.  I too shoveled the drive way twice this past week.  I did it slowly, with breaks and it actually felt good.  Good exercise.  Hope you regain all your energy as soon as possible and continued good luck on your recovery!  Steve

  • Steve.Adam
    Steve.Adam Member Posts: 463 Member
    edited January 2018 #10
    Don't get a hernia

    One other thing to watch out for. Working too much might tear something and cause a hernia or worse.

    This does happen to some people.

    I had some trouble with a bleeding artery while recovering after surgery. Before I was discharged the Urology Registrar told me 'Don't walk up hill for two months.'  He said it like he meant it, too.

    Gentle exercise is one thing, but avoid strain.

    After 6 or 8 weeks everything should be OK but it doesn't hurt to remain cautious for a while longer.

    Steve.

  • todd121
    todd121 Member Posts: 1,448 Member
    #11
    Shoveling snow?

    You shouldn't be lifting anything for a few weeks even with a partial I'm pretty sure. Did you ask your surgeon when you can exert yourself? It's way too soon.

    It took me months before I wasn't getting terribly tired by the end of the day, but I had a radical nephrectomy.

    Your insides heal slower than your outsides. You may have lost some kidney function and it might take some time for your body to adjust.

    Todd

  • sasha_jax4
    sasha_jax4 Member Posts: 43
    #12
    Thanks guys

    yeah I probably should get the Dr.s ok as to what physical activity is allowed. Thank you for encouraging words!

  • AnnissaP
    AnnissaP Member Posts: 632 Member
    #13
    One thing to keep in mind..

    One thing to keep in mind...If the outside incisions are not fully healed imagine what your insides look like?? It takes a long time for complete healing. You wouldn't want to push it and cause yourself major setbacks. It is tough, but please be patient and cautious.

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