Nephrostomy

I had one in 2018. I was getting severe night sweats and often feeling sick. It didn't affect my cognitive abiities, but I did suffer from fatigue. In severe kidney situations it isn't uncommon to become confused. 

Normally the tube has to be replaced every three months and it's a minor op of about fifteen mimutes under a local. The bag needs to be changed once a week along with the dressing. I had to go to a local clinic to have a nurse change it, but evetually my wife did as it was less hassle. I was also given a belt to wear under my clothes to hang the bag on, which needs to be below the hip

You're Dad might need a night bag, but I didn't, although I would suggest that he drains the bag before going to bed. Bleads are not uncommon and are normally nothing to worry about and I didn't find it difficult to sleep. You're Dad's hospital may give him different directions, but this was my experience.

If I can help any further let me know.

I have a Nephrostomy at present but did not have any of the effects you have mentioned as they carried out the procedure when i went for blood tests and they found my Kidney was not working the way it should do, so they carried out the Nephrostomy on the same day.

As Ianw says you have to change the bag and dressing weekly i too now have my wife carry out the dressing change. The only issue i have is at present it scabs up around the entry mark and is extremely sensitive and sore, so they have put me on Antibiotics as they feel it may be an infection.

I too do not use a night bag and wake up every 3 to 4 hours to empty the bag but i feel this is better than having a night bag as i am a bit of a restless sleeper. I now wear shorts to bed to keep the bag as secure as possible. He will not be able to have a bath or go swimming but can shower as normal. Also on the day of my dressing i shower before it is done as you are supposed to give 24 hours when the new dressing goes on before you are supposed to shower

Get plenty of dressings stocked up as sometimes they can come unstuck and may need changing twice a week

Hope this helps

Thank you so much  both for this great information, this is so helpful.

We have further found out dad has an infection and has caused him to be delirious., this is very upsetting to see as he has taken to the bag so well, it is not bothering him at all. He should have had it in November, however he was unsure and he was later admitted   the other week.

Thank you so much this is so helpful for me and mum right now for this information to help him as much as we can

You are more than welcome. Glad Dad has improved.xx