Wound care after partial nephrectomy

I’m fine Neil. I was wondering how you were and whether you had a surgery date ? I have six incisions for a partial nephrectomy. I wasn’t really given any wound care when I left hospital. I have another nurse appointment next week and more antibiotics. The nurse will remove some of the sutures. Hopefully they will be mostly dried up by then.

I'm glad that you have access to the nurse but it's disappointing to read about the lack of wound care. I hope the wounds take a turn for the better in the healing process.

I don't have date, yet. When I saw the consultant on 29 May, he said 4-8 weeks. On Wednesday I called to enquire as to any update. I had to call again on Thursday and spoke to his secretary who said something was being pencilled in (all vague and a bit cloak and dagger...or gown and scalpel for a hospital equivalent). I was told to expect a letter next week. I wasn clear that no news by the end of Wednesday and I would be back on the telephone.

As much as I need the date for the surgery, I'm also dreading the after effects. 

Take care of yourself and good luck for the healing.

Neil (MW)

Dear MW it sounds like you will be given a date very soon. It is a big surgery which will take your physical and emotional energy. It does help to be as physically fit as possible before the surgery. I had reflexology and one session of hypnosis which helped before the op.I was looked after very well in hospital. Looking after yourself post op. I was given paracetamol to take post op as I couldn’t take anything stronger. The first few days you will probably sleep a lot and be in discomfort. There will be people on here to offer support and who will have had the surgery before us

There are lots suggestions post op such as having someone to look after you for the first week. This is important as you won’t be able to lift anything heavy. Also you might want someone there when you use the loo or have a shower. Having a regular bowel habit is important as you don’t want to strain on the loo.Having a healthy diet is important. Unfortunately OH is not a cook and we survive on ready meals. Allowing your emotions to flow. I was very tearful after the op. I was crying when the Kings fly past was on TV. I haven’t had the support of  urology nurse but my GP surgery has been brilliant

These are very helpful things to know. I am confident that my OH will look after me post op.

It's a scary time, isn't it. 

Best wishes and thanks for staying connected. This community is incredibly helpful.

I can’t pretend that it will be easy for you post op. I think that it was easier than I thought. The hospital will be supportive in your aftercare. The hospital where I had my surgery is thirty miles away so my post op appointment will be with the local hospital. I think you said you are a cyclist so your fitness will help your recovery post op. I’m religious and had many people praying and lighting candles for me. That helped to know I had that support. It does not help everyone I know.

Six incisions is not unusual to get all the gadgets inside plus camera plus gas.

I had seven incisions when I had my partial. That was February 2023 and all the scars are invisible now!