Home from op and in a lot of pain

FormerMember over 3 years ago

4 replies
49 subscribers
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Firstly hello all!, I've been reading your forum for the last few weeks (since my brother's diagnosis) and it's been really helpful. Up until now I've been one of those many many people that read and don't comment because they find the answers and help they need, so thank you!!! however now I'm stuck and can't seem to find any similar stories or help...

My brother had a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (with hand assist) for a removal of an 11cm tumour with early vein involvement on Friday afternoon. He was discharged on Saturday evening (less than 24hrs after the op finished) and seemed to be doing well apart from some discomfort and stomach pains as you would expect.

During the night and today he seems to be getting worse, not better. He literally can't sit or lay down without getting stabbing pains, spasms, cramps. He struggles to get himself up off the sofa, but once up can move around, slowly. He's not really eating (had a bowl of pasta last night) but today has only had a piece of toast, he's also constipated and the laxatives haven't started working yet.

He is 47 and overweight.

He was sent home with 30mg Codine, to be taken 4 times a day, but it just doesn't seem to be helping at all. He has been topping up in intervals with paracetamol to help.

I called the ward nurse twice today, and they said we couldn't up his meds and only suggested that if he couldn't deal with the pain to bring him back to the ward and they would 'try' to see him, he wasn't keen on that idea as we aren't that close to the hospital and I'm not sure I'd be able to get him back in the car with the pain he is in.

I just don't think either of us were expecting him to be in this much pain, and this unwell... yesterday afternoon (Saturday) he was walking and doing laps of the ward with no problems... today (Sunday) he can't really walk from the sofa to the kitchen, but is doing his best to keep moving... has anyone else had this experience and is willing to share?

I'm going to contact his GP in the morning and see if we can get a home visit.

Thanks in advance x

Sandra 55 over 3 years ago

Hi Raleway,

Sorry to hear that your brother is in a lot of pain, did he have a visit from the pain doctor before he was sent home, I know he is not the only one to be sent home on the second day, I also know that after the procedure he will be full of wind and with the constipation will be very uncomfortable and in pain, the hospital should have given him other pain relief as codine are really bad and do cause constipation, the last thing he needs is staining in the loo, it is a good idea to ask you doctor for a home visit, failing that he could also contact Macmillems for advice from a professional, please give him my best wishes and don’t suffer in silence it is good he has you in his corner to fight for him, someone else on the community may be able to help you take care

Sandra 55

Archangel over 3 years ago

Hi Raleway, I am so sorry to hear that your brother is suffering so much discomfort after his operation. I had my left kidney removed in June of last year and what was planned to be a 4 hour operation ended up as 7 hours due to spreading in the renal vein. I was in a lot of discomfort for the first few days, added to which had hiccoughs for the first night following surgery, which was excruciating. I have to say though that the pain was mainly associated with the scars and the internal trauma in the kidney area but not spasms or cramps. I think it is worth trying to identify exactly where your brother is feeling the pain as it may be from the lower bowel due to constipation. Unfortunately Codine and Oral Morph are very bad for producing constipation and it took me 7 days before I could poop after my operation, which caused as much pain as the operation itself. I'm surprised that the hospital didn't discharge your brother with a supply of Laxido or Senna because the effects of strong painkillers on the bowel are well known. Speak to the oncology nurses and your GP because it sounds like his after care is a little lacking.

I really hope your brother's situation improves considerably and I wish you both all the very best.

Mike

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Sandra 55

Hi Sandra

thanks for the speedy reply, no he didn’t see a pain doc… think that’s a problem with being in & discharged over a weekend. And yes I agree I think the main issue is constipation he is just so uncomfortable and now feeling nauseous too.

thanks

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Archangel

Thanks so much Mike, I do think constipation is the main issue as he’s feeling really bloated too and the pain seems to be moving around so trapped wind. Who knew it could be so painful! And yes no poop either, which I think is stressing him out too and making him feel a bit sick.

He says the pain feels like a sharp stab in the wound area, which from seeing on other posts seems to be related to the internal trauma.

Yes will be onto the GP and the nurses first thing.

thanks

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