just had my Pre op appointment

madzoon
madzoon Member Posts: 40

Talked with the nurse educator she asked me what the dr said about staying out of work, i told her he said about 3 weeks. She told me that wasnt long enough, I am having a Robotic partial Nephrectomy of left Kidney,  Does any one else know if I should be out of work longer than that> she said about 6  8 weeks i will start to feel like my norm.  I am a phlebotomist and an EKG technician I work for Pre Admission testing department. So i am very busy, I have to lift patients off the EKG table at Times. So she dont think 3 weeks is long enough, She said i will probably be in the hospital for 4 days but dr said 3.  I am someone who cant sit still I have to be doing something and when I'm at work I never stop Were so busy.  so my surgery is Sept 11th, Next Thursday,,  

So if any one has any in put.. that would be great

 

Thank you Yell

Comments

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    Back to work

    Mad,

     

    There are a number of threads on this subject and a wide variety of answers based upon each of our personal experiences. My thoughts. This is major abdominal surgery. While you may be able to perform your job at 3 weeks it is only going to be for short periods. A lot depends on your age and your physical condition. I think the nurse is more on the mark and then maybe only part time for the first couple of weeks or months. Prove me wrong.

    Do what you can do when you can do it. This is not a race.

     

     

    Icemantoo

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    icemantoo said:

    Back to work

    Mad,

     

    There are a number of threads on this subject and a wide variety of answers based upon each of our personal experiences. My thoughts. This is major abdominal surgery. While you may be able to perform your job at 3 weeks it is only going to be for short periods. A lot depends on your age and your physical condition. I think the nurse is more on the mark and then maybe only part time for the first couple of weeks or months. Prove me wrong.

    Do what you can do when you can do it. This is not a race.

     

     

    Icemantoo

    It is not a race

    I have said this many times. I want to hit home without being obnoxious. This process is probably the most significant life altering issue you may ever deal with. Do you want to impress your boss? or friends? or are you having a superman complex? Are you in denial?

    We all want to forget having kidney cancer surgery and move on with our life. But you are here because you are uncertain. And asking advice. If you read others posts you will find so much emotional and physical challenge in front of you. New territory. You have not dealt with anything like this before.

    Please take all the time available. Even if you feel well quickly. If you expect to set new records for recovery, you haven't considered what you are facing. There is a lot of soul searching. Family impact. I garentee (sp?) 6 months down the road your perspective will change. It is not the healing from surgery. It is the long road ahead.

    Take as much time as you can. Then get on with your life. I know you work in health care. This advice is from a physical therapist. Do you think I've seen this before?

  • sblairc
    sblairc Member Posts: 585 Member
    My take on the subject

    It is rough. Remind yourself that you have inside sutures to a VERY major organ that you CANNOT see. I think sometimes when people start to heal externally (visibly) they assume their insides (kidney, muscles, whatever) are healing up just as fast and can take it. Especially with partials. Take the time, rest. Your loved ones will thank you for taking it easy. 

  • db8ne1
    db8ne1 Member Posts: 142 Member
    4 weeks for a "sit down" job

    I had a robotic partial nephrectomy on July 8th and returned to work on August 3rd, 2014.  That said, my job is a DESK job.  I was told not to lift anything heavier than 5-10 pounds for at least 6-8 weeks.  If your job entails physical work - take the time off that is needed to prevent post op injury or hernia.  You don't want to deal with that.

    That said, it's been almost 2 months since my surgery and I am STILL tired!!  (However, I think a lot of that has to do with my colorectal chemoradiation/surgery/more chemo from Jan-Oct 2013...and 2 more surgeries in Nov 2013.  Still in recovery mode).

    Wishing you all the best with your surgery.

    J

  • cjhawk38
    cjhawk38 Member Posts: 44
    Not long enough

    3 weeks isn't going to be long enough I don't think.  My doctor told me 4 weeks after a partial robotic but I'm retired so going back wasn't an issue.  It's been 6 months today and I still feel it after I lift or bend a lot.

     

    Cindy

  • Srashedb
    Srashedb Member Posts: 482 Member
    Lifting patients?

    I have not had kidney surgery; my husband had a laproscopic nephrectomy and in the hospital only three days. Recovery was slow and he could do things with much rest in between. He was best man two weeks post op but it took a lot of rest.

    although I have not had kidney surgery, I have undergone surgeries; there is trauma, blood loss, anesthesia... All of which require time to recover from.

    Lifting patients three weeks after surgery is asking for trouble.

    You asked for thoughts

    Sarah

  • db8ne1
    db8ne1 Member Posts: 142 Member
    Oh...

    And I was only in the hospital overnight.  My surgery was Tuesday afternoon - 3 1/2 hours.  I was discharged before noon on Wednesday.  I had a "anesthesia" hangover for a week, though...

  • aamdsi
    aamdsi Member Posts: 284
    Wow just 3?

    I had an open in March.  I was out of work for 4 weeks (very active desk job) then part time for the first week.  PLUS wasn't to lift over 5 lbs, or start back on my training for 8 weeks.

    Your job sounds very active, plus lifting paitients?  Whoa.  Guess I agree with nurse, take the time off.  Heal!  As all have said, while you may feel okay on outside, it's the inside that needs to heal and you can't see.

     

    sending hugs and healing thoughts for you.

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    aamdsi said:

    Wow just 3?

    I had an open in March.  I was out of work for 4 weeks (very active desk job) then part time for the first week.  PLUS wasn't to lift over 5 lbs, or start back on my training for 8 weeks.

    Your job sounds very active, plus lifting paitients?  Whoa.  Guess I agree with nurse, take the time off.  Heal!  As all have said, while you may feel okay on outside, it's the inside that needs to heal and you can't see.

     

    sending hugs and healing thoughts for you.

    THANK YOU

    EVERYONE,  NOT SURE IF IT IS JUST ME, BEEN CRYING ALOT TODAY JUST OUT OF THE BLUE. NOT SURE WHY...  STRANGE FOR ME .. BUT ANYWAYS. SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE SOUNDED RUDE IN A WAY..  IM SURE THAT IS NOT WHAT IT MEANT.. IM JUST GOING THRU SOMETHING TODAY.. MY BLOOD WORK CAME BACK ABNORMAL. WELL MY CBC CAME BACK SAYING MY ABSOULUTE LYMPHOCYTE IS 780  SO IM KINDA OF NERVOUS ABOUT THAT. LIKE I NEED ANYMORE BAD NEWS COMING MY WAY,,MY PCP TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT.. BUT!!!!!!  WELL I TRY NOT WORKING WELL...   BUT ANYWAYS.. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR ALL IMPUT. I KNOW I WILL BE FINE.. JUST  I DONT KNOW JUST.... 

     

    GOOD DAY ALL

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    foxhd said:

    It is not a race

    I have said this many times. I want to hit home without being obnoxious. This process is probably the most significant life altering issue you may ever deal with. Do you want to impress your boss? or friends? or are you having a superman complex? Are you in denial?

    We all want to forget having kidney cancer surgery and move on with our life. But you are here because you are uncertain. And asking advice. If you read others posts you will find so much emotional and physical challenge in front of you. New territory. You have not dealt with anything like this before.

    Please take all the time available. Even if you feel well quickly. If you expect to set new records for recovery, you haven't considered what you are facing. There is a lot of soul searching. Family impact. I garentee (sp?) 6 months down the road your perspective will change. It is not the healing from surgery. It is the long road ahead.

    Take as much time as you can. Then get on with your life. I know you work in health care. This advice is from a physical therapist. Do you think I've seen this before?

    NOPE

    NOT TRYING TO IMPRESS ANYONE, DEFINITELY NOT SUPERWOMAN, ALTHOUGH I WOULD LIKE TO THINK I AM Kiss BUT IM NOT I KNOW THAT , DENIAL, NOPE I DONT BELIEVE THAT I AM, I BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL ONLY GIVE ME WHAT HE KNOWS I CAN HANDLE. SO I SUPPOSE I CAN HANDLE WHAT IS THROWN MY WAY, YES I KNOW I HAVE TO TAKE IT EASY AND NOT RUSH IT, I WAS SIMPLY JUST ASKING IF 3 WEEKS WOULD BE LONG ENOUGH OR TAKE THE EXTRA, I KNOW EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND EVERYONE HEALS DIFFERENLY, IM NOT ONE TO SIT AROUND, SO YES THIS IS GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR ME. TO SIT AROUND, I WILL BE ANXIOUS TO COME BACK TO WORK. BUT I WILL ALSO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR ME AND ME ALONE, IF I NEED THE EXTRA WEEKS I WILL TAKE THEM. IF I NEED TO RETURN ON A PART TIME BASIS, I SHALL DO THAT AS WELL..

     

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT

  • avdoty
    avdoty Member Posts: 62
    madzoon said:

    THANK YOU

    EVERYONE,  NOT SURE IF IT IS JUST ME, BEEN CRYING ALOT TODAY JUST OUT OF THE BLUE. NOT SURE WHY...  STRANGE FOR ME .. BUT ANYWAYS. SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE SOUNDED RUDE IN A WAY..  IM SURE THAT IS NOT WHAT IT MEANT.. IM JUST GOING THRU SOMETHING TODAY.. MY BLOOD WORK CAME BACK ABNORMAL. WELL MY CBC CAME BACK SAYING MY ABSOULUTE LYMPHOCYTE IS 780  SO IM KINDA OF NERVOUS ABOUT THAT. LIKE I NEED ANYMORE BAD NEWS COMING MY WAY,,MY PCP TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT.. BUT!!!!!!  WELL I TRY NOT WORKING WELL...   BUT ANYWAYS.. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR ALL IMPUT. I KNOW I WILL BE FINE.. JUST  I DONT KNOW JUST.... 

     

    GOOD DAY ALL

    Another recovery experience

    I also had a robotic partial this year. I'm now almost 4 months post op. I have a desk job and went back to work after 10 days. From what I can tell reading other people's experiences is that recovery from robot assisted surgeries in general is a lot quicker. I was probably on the short end of the spectrum so you may need more time especially with having some physical demands in your job. I wasn't in a race to recover but I like being active and I like my job so the sooner I got to work the happier I was. Not everyone's cup of tea but just another view. 

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery. 

    Allen

     

     

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    avdoty said:

    Another recovery experience

    I also had a robotic partial this year. I'm now almost 4 months post op. I have a desk job and went back to work after 10 days. From what I can tell reading other people's experiences is that recovery from robot assisted surgeries in general is a lot quicker. I was probably on the short end of the spectrum so you may need more time especially with having some physical demands in your job. I wasn't in a race to recover but I like being active and I like my job so the sooner I got to work the happier I was. Not everyone's cup of tea but just another view. 

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery. 

    Allen

     

     

    THANK YOU

    Thank you

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,041 Member
    madzoon said:

    THANK YOU

    EVERYONE,  NOT SURE IF IT IS JUST ME, BEEN CRYING ALOT TODAY JUST OUT OF THE BLUE. NOT SURE WHY...  STRANGE FOR ME .. BUT ANYWAYS. SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE SOUNDED RUDE IN A WAY..  IM SURE THAT IS NOT WHAT IT MEANT.. IM JUST GOING THRU SOMETHING TODAY.. MY BLOOD WORK CAME BACK ABNORMAL. WELL MY CBC CAME BACK SAYING MY ABSOULUTE LYMPHOCYTE IS 780  SO IM KINDA OF NERVOUS ABOUT THAT. LIKE I NEED ANYMORE BAD NEWS COMING MY WAY,,MY PCP TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT.. BUT!!!!!!  WELL I TRY NOT WORKING WELL...   BUT ANYWAYS.. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR ALL IMPUT. I KNOW I WILL BE FINE.. JUST  I DONT KNOW JUST.... 

     

    GOOD DAY ALL

    The stages of grief

    is what you are bouncing around with.  Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Resolution, and Acceptance.  

    Your brain says, "OK, I have Cancer, let's get on with it and get better."  Whoa, Nellie.  "I'm angry, because that's not what I planned for my life."  And then, "I'll get back to work in 3 weeks and that will prove, I can do it."  Then the posts came back, "Don't over-do yourself.  Healing takes longer."  Now I'm mad again.  

    So the body cries to relieve stress.

    What you are experiencing is a normal reaction to any life changing experience.  And it is not something that evaporates instantly or even truly goes away.  You will experience these feelings as a survivor and for years to come.  Every regular test brings back the whole Flashback.  Every unusual pain or unusual test result will make you question what it means.

    The people who responded to your original question about returning to work in 3 weeks, and considering the type of work you do, were being totally realistic and not rude.  After my first bout with RCC surgery, at 3 weeks, I developed an unplanned episode of Pancreatitis.  Definitely set the recovery back another 3 weeks.  The second RCC surgery was less invasive, I helped drive home from the hospital, but still didn't return to part-time in two weeks and  full time work in about 4 weeks. The third bout was a totally bad experience and took me 6-8 weeks to even think about going to the office.

    The main cue is your physical body.  Don't overdo it during the recovery time.

    All good luck during surgery.  We all wish you well.

    Donna

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    madzoon said:

    THANK YOU

    EVERYONE,  NOT SURE IF IT IS JUST ME, BEEN CRYING ALOT TODAY JUST OUT OF THE BLUE. NOT SURE WHY...  STRANGE FOR ME .. BUT ANYWAYS. SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE SOUNDED RUDE IN A WAY..  IM SURE THAT IS NOT WHAT IT MEANT.. IM JUST GOING THRU SOMETHING TODAY.. MY BLOOD WORK CAME BACK ABNORMAL. WELL MY CBC CAME BACK SAYING MY ABSOULUTE LYMPHOCYTE IS 780  SO IM KINDA OF NERVOUS ABOUT THAT. LIKE I NEED ANYMORE BAD NEWS COMING MY WAY,,MY PCP TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT.. BUT!!!!!!  WELL I TRY NOT WORKING WELL...   BUT ANYWAYS.. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR ALL IMPUT. I KNOW I WILL BE FINE.. JUST  I DONT KNOW JUST.... 

     

    GOOD DAY ALL

    People are trying to help

    People are trying to help you... not sure why you are screaming at us..?

    Good Luck..

    Ron

  • a_oaklee
    a_oaklee Member Posts: 566 Member
    Hi

    Hi.  I would plan for the 8 weeks off of work, if you are able to do that.  Most likely if all goes well, you will feel pretty good at 4 weeks and want to go back.  I would only consider that if they could modify your work responsibilities to only do the phlebotomy work and no patient lifting.  Modified activity.  You will be tired after a full days work most likely in the beginning. 

    Re being bored being out of work.  Perhaps think of all the quiet things you've been wanting to do but haven't had the time.  Like reading a good book, scrapbooking or any other hobbies that you might have.

    Re being emotional.  It just goes with the territory.  It's going to be a bit of a roller coaster ride.  I want to reassure you that in the 2 1/2 years I've been reading here I don't think I have ever come across someone who was rude.  Anyone who writes to you is taking the time to be helpful and they genuinely care, or they just wouldn't bother.  Of course, after a while you will get to know the personalities of the participants.  Some people are more direct than others.  Personally, I truly appreciate the input from everyone due to the amount of experience that these individuals have amassed. 

    Re writing in caps:  I know you said you write in caps because of your computer at work and it's easier for you to see.  For me, it's harder to read the text in caps, and it also does equate to "yelling" in computer talk, and I know you don't mean to do that.  It might be helpful for you to increase the Font Size at the top of the Comment section instead of writing in cap letters.

    Thank you so much.  Everything will get better in time.  I have to say it's always nice to hear of someone who loves their job and wants to get back to it.  It must be a real shock to be on the other side of things and you are now the patient.

    Best wishes.  Annie

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    GSRon said:

    People are trying to help

    People are trying to help you... not sure why you are screaming at us..?

    Good Luck..

    Ron

    nope

    totally not screaming at anyone,, if you had read my other posting to that matter you would have seen that it was not intentional, so i again i guess i need to aplogize to everyone individualy..    So GSRon,, I apologize if i have offended you buy using  capital letters...

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    a_oaklee said:

    Hi

    Hi.  I would plan for the 8 weeks off of work, if you are able to do that.  Most likely if all goes well, you will feel pretty good at 4 weeks and want to go back.  I would only consider that if they could modify your work responsibilities to only do the phlebotomy work and no patient lifting.  Modified activity.  You will be tired after a full days work most likely in the beginning. 

    Re being bored being out of work.  Perhaps think of all the quiet things you've been wanting to do but haven't had the time.  Like reading a good book, scrapbooking or any other hobbies that you might have.

    Re being emotional.  It just goes with the territory.  It's going to be a bit of a roller coaster ride.  I want to reassure you that in the 2 1/2 years I've been reading here I don't think I have ever come across someone who was rude.  Anyone who writes to you is taking the time to be helpful and they genuinely care, or they just wouldn't bother.  Of course, after a while you will get to know the personalities of the participants.  Some people are more direct than others.  Personally, I truly appreciate the input from everyone due to the amount of experience that these individuals have amassed. 

    Re writing in caps:  I know you said you write in caps because of your computer at work and it's easier for you to see.  For me, it's harder to read the text in caps, and it also does equate to "yelling" in computer talk, and I know you don't mean to do that.  It might be helpful for you to increase the Font Size at the top of the Comment section instead of writing in cap letters.

    Thank you so much.  Everything will get better in time.  I have to say it's always nice to hear of someone who loves their job and wants to get back to it.  It must be a real shock to be on the other side of things and you are now the patient.

    Best wishes.  Annie

    ok

    so first off, yes capital letters were no meant to offend anyone. wasnt at the top of my list.. I again do apologize..  not sure how many times i need to but I do.. I have so much going on health wise right now. that i serously dont know how to handle all this.. yes being on the other side as a patient is very hard to deal with..  They just found out that my absolute lymphocyte is low, dr. is a little concerend he said not much but is concerend  besides my para-arotic being inflammed they think that i might ovarian cancer as well.. so as you can see i am very confused and upset and yes i guess jumping at people..  Totally not my intention so For that I do apologize. Its like my whole life is flashing infront of me and their isnt anything i can do about it...  Trust me  i so appreciate everyones comebacks. information and just thoughts and prayers. So please dont get mad or upset with me as i dont know right now what is happening.. I would like to thank everyone on here for the kind words and hopefully understanding.. They are going to try to get me in to see the OB/gyn prior to my surgery next thursday. to see whats up.. 

     

    Thank you and Sorry.Cry

  • Jan4you
    Jan4you Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    madzoon said:

    ok

    so first off, yes capital letters were no meant to offend anyone. wasnt at the top of my list.. I again do apologize..  not sure how many times i need to but I do.. I have so much going on health wise right now. that i serously dont know how to handle all this.. yes being on the other side as a patient is very hard to deal with..  They just found out that my absolute lymphocyte is low, dr. is a little concerend he said not much but is concerend  besides my para-arotic being inflammed they think that i might ovarian cancer as well.. so as you can see i am very confused and upset and yes i guess jumping at people..  Totally not my intention so For that I do apologize. Its like my whole life is flashing infront of me and their isnt anything i can do about it...  Trust me  i so appreciate everyones comebacks. information and just thoughts and prayers. So please dont get mad or upset with me as i dont know right now what is happening.. I would like to thank everyone on here for the kind words and hopefully understanding.. They are going to try to get me in to see the OB/gyn prior to my surgery next thursday. to see whats up.. 

     

    Thank you and Sorry.Cry

    {{{ MADZOON }}}} Hugs my

    {{{ MADZOON }}}} Hugs my dear~

     

    I can appreciate all you are going through. Mentally it is a lot to take in, its new, some of this is out of your control and we humans sure like to have a handle on our lives right?

    You came here for support and information. Everyone's experience is unique with some things in common. Glad you can speak up for yourself. This was life-interrupting and life changing in a way. Yes, you are more anxious, but that will get better too.

    From me to you, my dear, don't rush this. Take this time for you! I have had 2 robatic surgeries and thought the recovery was much easier than another one of my previous abdominal surgeries. BUT ..having robatic/laproscopic surgery can fool you to think you are ready to move on before your body is truly ready. Yes, you will have Gen anesthesia, blood loss and stitches that you cannot see that need to heal properly so you don't have hernias and such later down the road. Make sure they check your iron. They didn't for me, and asked that they test me after surgery and sure enough I was anemic.

    Yes, you are scared and crying is a release much needed hon. Try really hard to make your lists and only think about and do what needs to be done today. Otherwise you are using up much needed energy. So please try not to think too much about the unknowns or near future or you'll wear yourself out. Come to us when you have a question and are scared. I was so well prepared before my surgery due to the nice folks here.

    I'll be here for you as much as you need me to.

    Warmly, Jan

  • madzoon
    madzoon Member Posts: 40
    Jan4you said:

    {{{ MADZOON }}}} Hugs my

    {{{ MADZOON }}}} Hugs my dear~

     

    I can appreciate all you are going through. Mentally it is a lot to take in, its new, some of this is out of your control and we humans sure like to have a handle on our lives right?

    You came here for support and information. Everyone's experience is unique with some things in common. Glad you can speak up for yourself. This was life-interrupting and life changing in a way. Yes, you are more anxious, but that will get better too.

    From me to you, my dear, don't rush this. Take this time for you! I have had 2 robatic surgeries and thought the recovery was much easier than another one of my previous abdominal surgeries. BUT ..having robatic/laproscopic surgery can fool you to think you are ready to move on before your body is truly ready. Yes, you will have Gen anesthesia, blood loss and stitches that you cannot see that need to heal properly so you don't have hernias and such later down the road. Make sure they check your iron. They didn't for me, and asked that they test me after surgery and sure enough I was anemic.

    Yes, you are scared and crying is a release much needed hon. Try really hard to make your lists and only think about and do what needs to be done today. Otherwise you are using up much needed energy. So please try not to think too much about the unknowns or near future or you'll wear yourself out. Come to us when you have a question and are scared. I was so well prepared before my surgery due to the nice folks here.

    I'll be here for you as much as you need me to.

    Warmly, Jan

    Thank you Jan

    I appreciate the kind words. they meant alot. yes I look forward to comeing on here it does help I just feel that because of Caps being on no one wishes to talk with me anymore, I wasnt going to come back, but here I am, i do feel comforted when im here, reading everyones post prior to and post surgery. the storys and comments do help.  Thank you for your kind words they meant alot..

     

    Madzoon