Date for Op

Hi Hels,

I just had my surgery (partial nephrectomy) couple of weeks ago and still recovering a little. My procedure went fine though and I was actually discharged the next day. Post op for me didn’t involve any food at all for a day just liquids. Which also meant frequently needing to wee. My catheter was taken out before I woke up and in hindsight this was quite uncomfortable as I had to keep getting up for a wee almost 3-4 times an hour the first night after surgery so didn’t get much sleep. But it also meant that I had to be moving quite soon which probably aided things. I had a wash the day after surgery although they did say I can shower I just wasn’t mobile enough to do it on my own. Had normal food from day 2 onwards and soups from day 1. I took a spare change of loose clothes, toothbrush and paste and deodorant along with a dressing gown and slippers. Don’t forget your phone charger as I did :)
I think the post op experience is different for a lot of us. Best thing I can say is to take it easy, have plenty of fluids and try to get moving it really helps. Another tip I got from here was to have a soft pillow with you for the journey home that you can hold against your tummy. Made a world of difference on our bumpy roads. 
I wish you the very best for your surgery :) please don’t hesitate to ask anymore questions. 

Jay

Hi Jay, thank you so much for your reply, interesting about the liquids only for the first day, I guess my catheter bag will get full quite quickly! Hope your recovery continues to go well... Hels

I had a radical recently. The effects of the gas were a suprise. Quite sore for weeks after. 

Its a good thing to get your bed space set up before you go for the op because it is difficult to move just after. Clean pants to put on and mobile etc all immediately to hand. Recovery in general might take longer than you think. It is a big op. The body finds it very destructive and invasive. It doesnt know it is doing you good. It takes time to regain full mojo. 

Good luck. Please let us know how you get on.

PS: General anaesthetics cause bad constitpation. Take whatever you are advised seriously to avoid it !

Hi, thanks for info Simon!, ref the gas effects, do otc windeze type tablets help at all? Hels

Not sure. Commonly people here suggest peppermint oil in water. The ward staff should have it. Early mobility also helps a lot. Plus err passing the gas. The gas itself can be a bit painful but then the stretch effect remains for some time. Hope that helps.

Take in an extension lead so you can plug your devices in to the 3-pin plug . . . . . and don't tell the electrical testing unit!  It's likely your device cable won't reach the wall socket.

Mobile charging cables are annoyingly short aren't they ?!