Problems with largest incision after Partial Nephrectomy (Laproscopic)

Sorry you had to join our group. I didn't have pain as you describe but was sensitive  and swollen well past surgery. If  it is that distressing to you, contact the surgeon again. Pain will slow down the healing. You will find reading past posts that you have to be your own Patient Advocate. Your in distress and need help. As Iceman has said, your body has been traumatised and healing is slow. It will get better. Sending some positive thoughts .

Please remember that EVERYONE's experience is different and that does not mean something is wrong!  Another thing that happens is as time goes by our memory of what it was like is not exactly the same as what we were feeling when it happened. I do want to say as someone who had open surgery on 1/15 of this year, so not that long ago, that I would have characterized by pain as excruciated the day after surgery and as significant constant pain for about a week after surgery.  For me I can say it was at exactly one week that I felt well enough to stop pain meds, but there was still a lot of discomfort.  The difference was it was more manageable and triggered by particular activities, like getting in and out of a chair etc.  My doctor orginally said I would be home the day after surgery and that day I was in such pain I wouldn't have left even if that was what he was still recommending.  My guess is what you are feeling is unfortunately normal. At the same time I would not be shy about talking to the doctor and describing exactly what you are feeling.  My doctor told me to watch for specific things but that was after two weeks, snestivity to touch around the incision, redness, additional swelling or severe flank pain.  prior to two weeks after surgery I was told pain would be normal and was only todl to watch for fever, radical changes in urine or pus in or around the incision or drain. Hope this helps!

Just the 14" type, and yes it hurt a lot.  The skin, muscle fascia, nerves, and vessels in all those areas were cut or traumatized by the surgery.  And they all take time to heal.  Hopefully, you will notice a week to week change for the better.  Don't try to think daily, because that can be disappointing.

In the past, I think most of us have found that soft, fine knit T shirt material or baby blanket flannel is the most comfortable.  Letting it slide over your skin can trigger the nerves around the incision, so just wrap it and secure it in place.  Even a gauze pad with skin glue to hold it on would be better than the movement on your skin.

Tylenol or aceteminophen for discomfort now.  No NSAIDs, as they are processed in the kindey before being expelled.  Tylenol is process in the liver.

Time will eventually get you there.  But, it sure can hurt.

donna_lee

polishpipes10, are you feeling any better now?  As someone else noted, everybody's experience may be a little different. I had an open surgery, and while there was some sensitiviy near the incision one week out, nothing like you have described.  From what a lot of people have said, the laparoscopic surgery is supposed to be less painful and have a shorter recovery time.  I went to the same surgeon as APny, but the surgeon we went to was top notch, and I had no issues post surgergy. 

I'm so sorry about your Dylan - that must've been awful. But glad to hear you're doing better! 

Here's to continued healing!