Open partial nephrectomy
It's been inspiring and encouraging to read all your posts, and to know that there is a life after cancer! I had an open partial nephrectomy on Sept 20th, where they removed a 4cm tumour, part of my left kidney, and the adrenal gland. My surgeon has taken off for a month so I have no info re follow-up or path details, only that everything went ok- so I'm left with no answers. Like so many of us, my diagnosis was incidental to another condition, and came as a bolt from the blue. One moment it's cancer, the next- you have no cancer! I'd only just gotten used to being told I had the rottenh thing, haha!
Has anyone still on the forum experienced an open partial? There are heaps of posts from radical lap patients, and I know you all have a particular set of concerns, but mine are a bit different. I have a 16" incision scar and half a kidney, which aches like blazes, day & night. I also have severe lumbar arthritis and am unable to take NSAIDS. I've been given Panadeine but can never get comfortable- even if I find a good position incision-wise I have to keep moving coz the arthritis pain becomes overwhelming. Does anyone else have this problem? Also, is there anything I could do about the scar which itches like crazy?
Apart from that, I feel stronger every day and know it will all get better with time- which, thank God, I now have!!!
All the best to you all xx
Comments
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Open Partial Nephrectomy
I had an open partial for a 3cm tumor on my right kidney, in Dec of 09. Had a great deal of pain but after about 2 weeks it started to subside. I spent the first 2 weeks after surgery sleeping (if you can call it that) on a reclining chair. After 2 weeks I had my staples removed and they but some kind of ointment on the scar and covered it with bandages, and I was told to let it stay and the bandages will eventually fall off, which they did, and thats when things really started feeling better. I didn't have much of an itching issue, but once you get your stitches or staples out you can probably use some sort of ointment to help ease the itching. As for follow up I had an MRI 4 months out and that was clean, and have another scheduled for this Nov.and that is pretty much the follow up procedure. I don't have a problem with lumbar arthritis, but you should try and walk as much as possible as this will help the healing process. It is now 10 months since my surgery and things are fine although I do have a problem but it is probably my fault. As I live in Pa. and we had a lot of snow in Jan and like an idiot I was shoveling snow a few weeks after my surgey which caused me to have a hernia where my surgery was done, and I have a huge bulge on my right side, which my urologist said will eventually have to be repaired and I am looking at some time in Dec. for this. In time you should be fine, just don't rush the healing process.0 -
Partial Nephrectomysylvan75 said:Open Partial Nephrectomy
I had an open partial for a 3cm tumor on my right kidney, in Dec of 09. Had a great deal of pain but after about 2 weeks it started to subside. I spent the first 2 weeks after surgery sleeping (if you can call it that) on a reclining chair. After 2 weeks I had my staples removed and they but some kind of ointment on the scar and covered it with bandages, and I was told to let it stay and the bandages will eventually fall off, which they did, and thats when things really started feeling better. I didn't have much of an itching issue, but once you get your stitches or staples out you can probably use some sort of ointment to help ease the itching. As for follow up I had an MRI 4 months out and that was clean, and have another scheduled for this Nov.and that is pretty much the follow up procedure. I don't have a problem with lumbar arthritis, but you should try and walk as much as possible as this will help the healing process. It is now 10 months since my surgery and things are fine although I do have a problem but it is probably my fault. As I live in Pa. and we had a lot of snow in Jan and like an idiot I was shoveling snow a few weeks after my surgey which caused me to have a hernia where my surgery was done, and I have a huge bulge on my right side, which my urologist said will eventually have to be repaired and I am looking at some time in Dec. for this. In time you should be fine, just don't rush the healing process.
I've had both a radical nephrectomy of the right kidney (Mar 2000) that took the kidney and glands surrounding it and part of the renal vein, and a partial nephrectomy of the left kidney (June 2003) that took out the middle of that kidney (from what I've been told). (For what it's worth, I've also had my cancerous prostate removed (Summer 2001) and a malignant melanoma removed from my abdomen (2001)).
The partial nephrectomy affected me more than the radical. I experienced more discomfort from the partial than any of the other surgeries. I bloated and felt sluggish for months. The surgeon also cut straight through my abdominal muscles which have now "folded" and are out of balance symmetrically with the other side of my abdomen. BUT, I'm still alive and have been cancer free now for over 7 years!
I'm here to tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I agree that walking helps a lot in regaining your strength and breathing.
I had to sleep in my recliner for several weeks (or at least I thought I had to). Maybe that was in my mind only, but it did seem more relaxing there than lying flat in bed. I've had no chemo and followed up through MRIs for about 5 years. That's how they found the second kidney tumor.
Hang in there!0 -
Thank you, Msdubya- you havemsdubya said:Partial Nephrectomy
I've had both a radical nephrectomy of the right kidney (Mar 2000) that took the kidney and glands surrounding it and part of the renal vein, and a partial nephrectomy of the left kidney (June 2003) that took out the middle of that kidney (from what I've been told). (For what it's worth, I've also had my cancerous prostate removed (Summer 2001) and a malignant melanoma removed from my abdomen (2001)).
The partial nephrectomy affected me more than the radical. I experienced more discomfort from the partial than any of the other surgeries. I bloated and felt sluggish for months. The surgeon also cut straight through my abdominal muscles which have now "folded" and are out of balance symmetrically with the other side of my abdomen. BUT, I'm still alive and have been cancer free now for over 7 years!
I'm here to tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I agree that walking helps a lot in regaining your strength and breathing.
I had to sleep in my recliner for several weeks (or at least I thought I had to). Maybe that was in my mind only, but it did seem more relaxing there than lying flat in bed. I've had no chemo and followed up through MRIs for about 5 years. That's how they found the second kidney tumor.
Hang in there!
Thank you, Msdubya- you have really been through a lot, and it's wonderful to hear you're 7yrs cancer-free! I'm guessing your radical was done laproscopically? Was your partial an open surgery? Open surgery is definitely a different ball game when it comes to recovery- it's only been 2 weeks for me, but any sudden movement still hurts like crazy and yet staying still is sometimes worse! The walking is good though, especially psychologically- it reminds you that your body is functioning properly despite what it's been through.
Thanks for your encouraging reply- it means a lot!0 -
Open partial nephrectomy
I had a open partial nephrectomy on 5/17/2006 at the age of 51, renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type, Fuhrman grade 2, stage I, 1.2 cm right renal mass, with complications, doctors nicked right lung and nicked lower abdominal peritoneum area, this kind of surgery was high risk high return because of location of kidney tumor!
I had a open laparotomy(major abdominal surgery) on 12/01/2009 for small bowel obstruction/possible colon cancer?
I have had two different major abdominal surgeries, first 4 to 6 weeks start with no heavy lifting, just doing daily activities such as dressing, showering, driving, etc. I started walking immediately after each surgery in the hospital, I was in the gym the day after i got out of the hospital and just started walking, my philosophy is you're going to be in severe pain at home or the gym the quicker you get up and move around the quicker you heal, I waited until incision to heal before riding my mountain bike, I was riding stationary bike second week, elliptical machine second week, practicing my martial arts at 4 weeks, depending on your fitness level before surgery 3 to 6 months is all you need to get back to normal, remember normal is different now, yes you will have abdominal pain and possible fatigue and feeling tired, that is all part of the process of healing, remember abdominal surgery is no different than having knee surgery it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the surgery to heal, then it's up to you to keep your core abdominal stabilizer muscles strong.
GOOD LUCK0 -
All the best to you,sylvan75 said:Open Partial Nephrectomy
I had an open partial for a 3cm tumor on my right kidney, in Dec of 09. Had a great deal of pain but after about 2 weeks it started to subside. I spent the first 2 weeks after surgery sleeping (if you can call it that) on a reclining chair. After 2 weeks I had my staples removed and they but some kind of ointment on the scar and covered it with bandages, and I was told to let it stay and the bandages will eventually fall off, which they did, and thats when things really started feeling better. I didn't have much of an itching issue, but once you get your stitches or staples out you can probably use some sort of ointment to help ease the itching. As for follow up I had an MRI 4 months out and that was clean, and have another scheduled for this Nov.and that is pretty much the follow up procedure. I don't have a problem with lumbar arthritis, but you should try and walk as much as possible as this will help the healing process. It is now 10 months since my surgery and things are fine although I do have a problem but it is probably my fault. As I live in Pa. and we had a lot of snow in Jan and like an idiot I was shoveling snow a few weeks after my surgey which caused me to have a hernia where my surgery was done, and I have a huge bulge on my right side, which my urologist said will eventually have to be repaired and I am looking at some time in Dec. for this. In time you should be fine, just don't rush the healing process.
All the best to you, Sylvan75- I hope your recovery is going well. My incision area is a bit bumpy too, though not to the extent of yours. I guess that with the extreme invasiveness of the operation that we'll have to accept a certain amount of "difference" in our contours! I'm so looking forward to wearing waisted clothes this summer, but right now anything around the waist is too irritating so I look like a sausage on legs most days!
The itching is still a problem, but I've been told it's a sign of healing- whether it actually is or not, I'm trying to view it that way...
Cheers, Von0 -
Open partialblackbelt said:Open partial nephrectomy
I had a open partial nephrectomy on 5/17/2006 at the age of 51, renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type, Fuhrman grade 2, stage I, 1.2 cm right renal mass, with complications, doctors nicked right lung and nicked lower abdominal peritoneum area, this kind of surgery was high risk high return because of location of kidney tumor!
I had a open laparotomy(major abdominal surgery) on 12/01/2009 for small bowel obstruction/possible colon cancer?
I have had two different major abdominal surgeries, first 4 to 6 weeks start with no heavy lifting, just doing daily activities such as dressing, showering, driving, etc. I started walking immediately after each surgery in the hospital, I was in the gym the day after i got out of the hospital and just started walking, my philosophy is you're going to be in severe pain at home or the gym the quicker you get up and move around the quicker you heal, I waited until incision to heal before riding my mountain bike, I was riding stationary bike second week, elliptical machine second week, practicing my martial arts at 4 weeks, depending on your fitness level before surgery 3 to 6 months is all you need to get back to normal, remember normal is different now, yes you will have abdominal pain and possible fatigue and feeling tired, that is all part of the process of healing, remember abdominal surgery is no different than having knee surgery it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the surgery to heal, then it's up to you to keep your core abdominal stabilizer muscles strong.
GOOD LUCK
Thanks so much for your comments, Blackbelt. I vaguely remember having core abdominal muscles (sometime around the 14th Century, perhaps) but after 4 children and previous abdominal surgery (perforated ulcer & peritonitis, very nasty) my musculature is not wonderful. It's been 4 weeks since the op, and I'm walking as much as possible but still in pain mainly around the incision.
I will email you later on to get some exercise ideas! I am a great believer in nutritional
therapies, and have been a lacto-vegetarian for nearly 20yrs. I have a cocktail each day with raw juice, calcium ascorbate, MSM, acai berries etc, and this has helped a lot with healing and also with the pain I think.
I'm a bit worried that working on my abs might cause some herniation, and I'd be left with an asymetrical bulge. This didn't happen to you, I'm guessing?
Cheers, Von0 -
Open partial nephrectomyVon55 said:Open partial
Thanks so much for your comments, Blackbelt. I vaguely remember having core abdominal muscles (sometime around the 14th Century, perhaps) but after 4 children and previous abdominal surgery (perforated ulcer & peritonitis, very nasty) my musculature is not wonderful. It's been 4 weeks since the op, and I'm walking as much as possible but still in pain mainly around the incision.
I will email you later on to get some exercise ideas! I am a great believer in nutritional
therapies, and have been a lacto-vegetarian for nearly 20yrs. I have a cocktail each day with raw juice, calcium ascorbate, MSM, acai berries etc, and this has helped a lot with healing and also with the pain I think.
I'm a bit worried that working on my abs might cause some herniation, and I'd be left with an asymetrical bulge. This didn't happen to you, I'm guessing?
Cheers, Von
To Von55 when you're walking you are working your core stabilizer abdominal muscles, when you get out of bed in the morning you are working your core stabilizer abdominal muscle, it's simple keep moving. It's been four years since I had my open partial and 10 months since I had my second open abdominal surgery and I still have pain around my different incisions, that's just part of the test God gave us , you can go to your doctor and complain for years about incision pain and yes your doctor will offer another surgery to go in and get rid of the scar tissue, there's only one problem another surgery could create more scar tissue and more pain and the risk of having surgery something could go wrong. You're not going to get a hernia if you don't do any heavy lifting, pain is not an excuse not to exercise. If you read my story I have had over 25 successful orthopedic surgeries in the past, I know a little bit about living with severe pain, and what to do before and after a major surgery. Yes I am also a vegetarian, alway been a vegetarian even before I lost 80 lbs in 2001, I am living proof you are what you eat. I would suggest put a ice pack on your incision area each day for a few minutes, it will help calm down inflammation around the surgery area. It will get better, keep up the good work, any questions please fill free to contact me.0 -
I too had an Open partial
I too had an Open partial nephrectomy (oct 27th) to remove a 2cm tumor from My right kidney they would not have found except that I have sleep apnea that caused me to fall out of bed causing back and neck trama that they cat scanned and accidently found tumor .
I thought I had a surfer for a surgeon He walked in and looked at Me and I Quote "Dude You have Cancer" the only reason He did not get knocked out was the next words out of his mouth were "But We can fix that". But I also have degenertive arthitis in my lower spine and Neropathy in My hands and feet soo I understand finding a comfortable postion for Your incision and Ok now back or leg say You HAVE to move but Doctor put Me on 600mg of Tramadol per day and a lower dose of naproxin seems to help a little for now.
Hope this Helps You0 -
open partial nephrectomy
I had my surgery July 14, 2011 to remove a 4 cm renal cancer mass found by accident. I'm grateful for the gift of life, the gift of family & friendship and the internet. So many of you are inspirational. Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good, considering its not quite 3 weeks post surgery. The stitches have mostly dissolved, the last 2 steri strips fell off yesterday, the scar doesn't look too bad except for the swelling above & below, I've had no real pain needing pain meds in a week and I'm able to walk a little further each day. Sleeping is a challenge at night as its difficult to get comfortable, though I'm a back sleeper. I can't stand too long in one place and I find myself constantly napping, which I suspect is part of the healing process. I take a walk, return home and sleep for an hour. What a life. A bit about me...although I am chronologically 63, I don't look it, feel it or act it. Physically very active before the surgery even though I was 15~20 lbs overweight (which I was addressing when the kidney mass was found), I hope to work myself into better shape when my body let's me know I can. I'm a vegetarian who tries not to let stress control my life in spite of its constance in it. I have two teen daughters, an elderly very sick mother who lives 200 miles away and an ex husband who is a divorce lawyer with whom I'm back in court over several issues. When I was being wheeled into the operating room and the surgeon saw me I told him he would find my ex husband's initials on the tumor. After he laughed he said he's heard that before. Anyway, I'm glad I'm retired except that finding money to pay all the myriad large co pays from this latest health challenge will be interesting.0 -
Welcome to the clubBklyngrl said:open partial nephrectomy
I had my surgery July 14, 2011 to remove a 4 cm renal cancer mass found by accident. I'm grateful for the gift of life, the gift of family & friendship and the internet. So many of you are inspirational. Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good, considering its not quite 3 weeks post surgery. The stitches have mostly dissolved, the last 2 steri strips fell off yesterday, the scar doesn't look too bad except for the swelling above & below, I've had no real pain needing pain meds in a week and I'm able to walk a little further each day. Sleeping is a challenge at night as its difficult to get comfortable, though I'm a back sleeper. I can't stand too long in one place and I find myself constantly napping, which I suspect is part of the healing process. I take a walk, return home and sleep for an hour. What a life. A bit about me...although I am chronologically 63, I don't look it, feel it or act it. Physically very active before the surgery even though I was 15~20 lbs overweight (which I was addressing when the kidney mass was found), I hope to work myself into better shape when my body let's me know I can. I'm a vegetarian who tries not to let stress control my life in spite of its constance in it. I have two teen daughters, an elderly very sick mother who lives 200 miles away and an ex husband who is a divorce lawyer with whom I'm back in court over several issues. When I was being wheeled into the operating room and the surgeon saw me I told him he would find my ex husband's initials on the tumor. After he laughed he said he's heard that before. Anyway, I'm glad I'm retired except that finding money to pay all the myriad large co pays from this latest health challenge will be interesting.
Bklyngrl, Welcome to the club. Each day will get a little better, My little rascal came out measuring 4.2 cm on 8.1.2002.I was 59 then. The finances will get a little better when you become eligible for Medicare at age 65.
Best wishes,
Icemantoo0 -
You go, girl!Bklyngrl said:open partial nephrectomy
I had my surgery July 14, 2011 to remove a 4 cm renal cancer mass found by accident. I'm grateful for the gift of life, the gift of family & friendship and the internet. So many of you are inspirational. Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good, considering its not quite 3 weeks post surgery. The stitches have mostly dissolved, the last 2 steri strips fell off yesterday, the scar doesn't look too bad except for the swelling above & below, I've had no real pain needing pain meds in a week and I'm able to walk a little further each day. Sleeping is a challenge at night as its difficult to get comfortable, though I'm a back sleeper. I can't stand too long in one place and I find myself constantly napping, which I suspect is part of the healing process. I take a walk, return home and sleep for an hour. What a life. A bit about me...although I am chronologically 63, I don't look it, feel it or act it. Physically very active before the surgery even though I was 15~20 lbs overweight (which I was addressing when the kidney mass was found), I hope to work myself into better shape when my body let's me know I can. I'm a vegetarian who tries not to let stress control my life in spite of its constance in it. I have two teen daughters, an elderly very sick mother who lives 200 miles away and an ex husband who is a divorce lawyer with whom I'm back in court over several issues. When I was being wheeled into the operating room and the surgeon saw me I told him he would find my ex husband's initials on the tumor. After he laughed he said he's heard that before. Anyway, I'm glad I'm retired except that finding money to pay all the myriad large co pays from this latest health challenge will be interesting.
Already off your pain meds? Good for you! You're doing better than I did! I was still on my pain meds right up to the 6 weeks mark.
All the napping is perfectly normal.
And even now, I can't stay in one position for too long, whether it's lying down or sitting in a chair. I'm 7 weeks post-op.
So I'd say you're doing great!0 -
Open Partial Nephrectomyblackbelt said:Open partial nephrectomy
To Von55 when you're walking you are working your core stabilizer abdominal muscles, when you get out of bed in the morning you are working your core stabilizer abdominal muscle, it's simple keep moving. It's been four years since I had my open partial and 10 months since I had my second open abdominal surgery and I still have pain around my different incisions, that's just part of the test God gave us , you can go to your doctor and complain for years about incision pain and yes your doctor will offer another surgery to go in and get rid of the scar tissue, there's only one problem another surgery could create more scar tissue and more pain and the risk of having surgery something could go wrong. You're not going to get a hernia if you don't do any heavy lifting, pain is not an excuse not to exercise. If you read my story I have had over 25 successful orthopedic surgeries in the past, I know a little bit about living with severe pain, and what to do before and after a major surgery. Yes I am also a vegetarian, alway been a vegetarian even before I lost 80 lbs in 2001, I am living proof you are what you eat. I would suggest put a ice pack on your incision area each day for a few minutes, it will help calm down inflammation around the surgery area. It will get better, keep up the good work, any questions please fill free to contact me.
Thank you all for sharing your stories...they are very encouraging. I am about to undergo an open partial nephrectomy next week and my nerves have been getting to me worrying about how long the recovery will be, whether I will be able to be as active as I am used to, etc... I'm glad to see people doing so well after even a few weeks post-op. My surgeon is telling me I will be out of work (I'm an attorney) for at least 3 months after surgery and I wasn't sure what to expect for those three months. I am hoping the pain is manageable and I will be able to follow Blackbelt's example and get my butt moving as soon as possible. They are making a side incision and not going through my abdomen which I hope makes the recovery and return to activity easier. It's never a good to find out you have cancer, but I feel very fortunate to have it discovered early and at a time when there is something that can be done to correct it. Wish me luck!0 -
Welcome to the club...lawmanmike said:Open Partial Nephrectomy
Thank you all for sharing your stories...they are very encouraging. I am about to undergo an open partial nephrectomy next week and my nerves have been getting to me worrying about how long the recovery will be, whether I will be able to be as active as I am used to, etc... I'm glad to see people doing so well after even a few weeks post-op. My surgeon is telling me I will be out of work (I'm an attorney) for at least 3 months after surgery and I wasn't sure what to expect for those three months. I am hoping the pain is manageable and I will be able to follow Blackbelt's example and get my butt moving as soon as possible. They are making a side incision and not going through my abdomen which I hope makes the recovery and return to activity easier. It's never a good to find out you have cancer, but I feel very fortunate to have it discovered early and at a time when there is something that can be done to correct it. Wish me luck!
lawmanmike,
You have come to the right place, this is a very supportive group. The wait between dx and surgery can be tough, keeping busy doing things like research, finishing projects that may have been put off, planning your recovery, and exercise will keep your mind busy and help hold the inner demons at bay. Three months sounds about right, but I'll bet you'll be back at least part time a bit sooner if all goes as expected. Getting moving as soon as you can is a good idea, but I wouldn't wait until after the surgery, increased exercise prior to surgery pays dividends post surgery even if its only for a few days. Post surgery, walking seems to be very beneficial in speeding recovery. This will all be behind you before you know it, but court-room drama will never be as important as it used to be.
Good luck and God speed,
Gary0 -
Thanks Gary!garym said:Welcome to the club...
lawmanmike,
You have come to the right place, this is a very supportive group. The wait between dx and surgery can be tough, keeping busy doing things like research, finishing projects that may have been put off, planning your recovery, and exercise will keep your mind busy and help hold the inner demons at bay. Three months sounds about right, but I'll bet you'll be back at least part time a bit sooner if all goes as expected. Getting moving as soon as you can is a good idea, but I wouldn't wait until after the surgery, increased exercise prior to surgery pays dividends post surgery even if its only for a few days. Post surgery, walking seems to be very beneficial in speeding recovery. This will all be behind you before you know it, but court-room drama will never be as important as it used to be.
Good luck and God speed,
Gary
I appreciate the feedback. Doing my best to stay focused and prepare for the surgery and the aftermath. And you are right - this changes the way I look at everything!0 -
Questions for youJamie1.3cm said:You go, girl!
Already off your pain meds? Good for you! You're doing better than I did! I was still on my pain meds right up to the 6 weeks mark.
All the napping is perfectly normal.
And even now, I can't stay in one position for too long, whether it's lying down or sitting in a chair. I'm 7 weeks post-op.
So I'd say you're doing great!
My father has been diagnosed with kidney cancer and will be having an open partial nephrectomy on 1/18. I don't know much more, the tumor appears to be large (orange or grapefruit sized). My father lives by himself and I am out of town. I will be coming in a few days before the surgery, to help him get ready, clean the house, stock up on things he'll need afterward, etc., and I'll stay in town while he's in the hospital, but I wanted to ask your thoughts on whether/how long he might want me to stay with him once he's released to go home. His doctor said he will not need to hire a nurse for when he's home after the surgery, but what I can't really tell from your posts is how much help you needed afterward or whether you could really have handled things on your own. I know that this is a big surgery, and I want to do whatever I can to help him. I'm grateful to be able to talk with you all and learn from you.
Thanks.0 -
Hard Question to Answercucas87 said:Questions for you
My father has been diagnosed with kidney cancer and will be having an open partial nephrectomy on 1/18. I don't know much more, the tumor appears to be large (orange or grapefruit sized). My father lives by himself and I am out of town. I will be coming in a few days before the surgery, to help him get ready, clean the house, stock up on things he'll need afterward, etc., and I'll stay in town while he's in the hospital, but I wanted to ask your thoughts on whether/how long he might want me to stay with him once he's released to go home. His doctor said he will not need to hire a nurse for when he's home after the surgery, but what I can't really tell from your posts is how much help you needed afterward or whether you could really have handled things on your own. I know that this is a big surgery, and I want to do whatever I can to help him. I'm grateful to be able to talk with you all and learn from you.
Thanks.
Hi,
That is a hard question to answer as healing time can be very different for everyone. I had laproscopic surgery, which has a faster and easier healing time than open surgery, and I don't think I could have been on my own for the first three weeks. The ideal solution is that somebody is with him until he's ready to be on his own (or until he proves to you he's ready, in case he's too proud to admit he still needs help). That's going to be a judgment call somebody is going to have to make. I know I wouldn't want to be alone until I was up and about and had reasonable control of the pain.
Regards,
Mike0 -
Hard Question to AnswerMikeK703 said:Hard Question to Answer
Hi,
That is a hard question to answer as healing time can be very different for everyone. I had laproscopic surgery, which has a faster and easier healing time than open surgery, and I don't think I could have been on my own for the first three weeks. The ideal solution is that somebody is with him until he's ready to be on his own (or until he proves to you he's ready, in case he's too proud to admit he still needs help). That's going to be a judgment call somebody is going to have to make. I know I wouldn't want to be alone until I was up and about and had reasonable control of the pain.
Regards,
Mike
Your father's age and current physical condition will also come into play. Those that are in reasonably good health and have exercised regularly pre-op seem to recover more rapidly than most others. For an open procedure recovery will take longer and even though he won't need round the clock nursing care he will probably need assistance in varying degrees for several weeks.0 -
Hard Question To Answergarym said:Hard Question to Answer
Your father's age and current physical condition will also come into play. Those that are in reasonably good health and have exercised regularly pre-op seem to recover more rapidly than most others. For an open procedure recovery will take longer and even though he won't need round the clock nursing care he will probably need assistance in varying degrees for several weeks.
Hi,
I just had an open partial on 12/6/11. I'm almost 5 weeks in now. I'm 56 years old and a very serious cyclist, so I was in really good shape before the operation. The first week or 2 are very difficult. Getting in and out of bed, showering, preparing food/eating, walking become major tasks and you can't lift anything. I don't know how I could have made it on my own for the first 2 weeks. I thank my wife every day for everything she does/has done for me.
Believe me, the first 2-3 weeks are tough. I'm feeling better everyday though, so he'll just need time. As Icemantoo says, there's no way to sugar coat the post-op period.
I hope your Dad has a speedy recovery.
--David0 -
Thank youDMike said:Hard Question To Answer
Hi,
I just had an open partial on 12/6/11. I'm almost 5 weeks in now. I'm 56 years old and a very serious cyclist, so I was in really good shape before the operation. The first week or 2 are very difficult. Getting in and out of bed, showering, preparing food/eating, walking become major tasks and you can't lift anything. I don't know how I could have made it on my own for the first 2 weeks. I thank my wife every day for everything she does/has done for me.
Believe me, the first 2-3 weeks are tough. I'm feeling better everyday though, so he'll just need time. As Icemantoo says, there's no way to sugar coat the post-op period.
I hope your Dad has a speedy recovery.
--David
Thanks for the good feedback. My father is 72, so I know that he will need time to recuperate. I will look into staying longer based on the comments you've made. I appreciate the good wishes for my father, and I send good wishes to everyone here.0 -
open parital nec
i had mine in may of 2006... my tumor was located at the top of the kidney and was half in and half out of the kidney with the top sitting up agaisnt the lung. but ot was incased in the lining surrounding the kidney so it didnt get to spread..thank goodness..my incesion was on the side right under the ribs and ran from middle of tummy to middle of back. i did good expect for the pain when meds wore off...i was closed with skin glue but it itched so bad...i was told that removing the cancer was it either u had it or u didn't and when they took part of the kidney and glands they took the cancer and i was considered cancer free....i kept having ct and mris and nothing ever came of it the cancer didnt come back i am now considered cured as it will be 5 yrs in may...just enjoy life the best u can and try not to worry if it ddint spread before surgry chances are you are cured too...0
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