Hi All,
Exactly a week ago on Thursday (14thSep) I had my laparoscopic partial nephrectomy done to remove the 7.5cm tumour on my right kidney. I spent a total of 4 nights in hospital, safe to say it was a rollercoaster ride and I think I’m traumatised by it all. Surgery took 6 hours and spent the first night in HDU. I was on PCA Fentanyl which made pain management a dream with a press of a button but of course the side effects of vomiting was absolutely horrendous. Friday afternoon, I was moved to my room and pretty much was out of it until the next day. Saturday was more eventful to say the least. Fentanyl stopped and was moved over to just codeine and paracetamol. I was finally able to get out of bed, move around and sit on the chair for a while. My cathether and drain bag were removed, and I was able to pee pretty immediately after having it out. Then things got a little complicated late afternoon, I ended up with a fever and blood results showed infection and my haemoglobin had decreased massively. This led to being back on IV antibiotics and fluids again, despite finishing on Friday night. I had to have a blood transfusion, 2 bags took about 6 hours to finish and barely sleeping throughout the night due to the constant checks performed throughout the transfusion. At this point, all my veins in both arms were exhausted, with an average of 5-6 attempts daily since Saturday to get blood out before having to call anaesthethists/specialists in to do it. They were taking blood out from arteries, my feet and I was just so done with it. Monday night, I finally got discharged and sent home with some antibiotics. For pain medication, they only advised paracetamol so was surprised i was not given codeine.
I was so happy to be finally home, no more blood tests and I could be in the comforts of my own home. Tuesday, I finally had bowel movement which was such a relief. I’ve been walking in the mornings starting with 10 minutes and increasing it daily. Practicing the stairs, keeping up with the breathing exercises and making sure I walk around the house every hour. Pain is a mixed bag, the first day was fine and yesterday was a nightmare.
I’m really struggling with the bloatedness/trapped gas, did you guys experience this too and do you have any tips on how to make this more manageable? Been trying peppermint tea but doesn’t seem to be the best. Sleeping at night, seems to be an impossible task sometimes, I can only sleep on my back as the side is too painful. I feel like I have to lay still and not move, but this just adds to the stiffness pain. How are you guys dealing with this? Also just in general, do you guys have any other tips for recovery? I’ve been reading other posts in the forum and i feel like i’m doing so little for the time already since surgery.
Thank you all x
