I had a partial nephrectomy 2 weeks ago . My tummy is still extremely bloated/ inflated. This is extremely uncomfortable, it’s much worse after my blood thinning injection it can’t possibly stretch any more. I’ve tried peppermint oil, ginger tea and Windease. I’m walking round the house during the day and doing 2 small walks so I’m mobile. Has anyone got any suggestions?
Hi Dunn,
I am 8 weeks after my partial. Whilst I am not on blood thinners like you, I recall that my swelling came up around the time the bruising was starting to die away - ie, around two weeks in. I was surprised as I assumed the bruising and swelling would happen at the same time, which wasn't the case. I can say, it is only in the last week or so that I've noticed my swelling dwindling - still very slightly swollen there but it has very gradually diminished since its peak around weeks 2 and 3.
All the things you are trying, are the right things. Two weeks is a very short time after - looking back, I now realise that - and your body is only just starting to heal, and this will take a few weeks yet.
I can't really think of anything else to suggest. I have had to learn to be patient and just let the healing happen at its own pace, even when this seemed to be taking longer than I expected.
If it's not painful for you, try massaging your incisions very gently. As long as they look like they have knitted together, this will be safe - if not, wait another week and then start massaging. Use a circular movement with your fingertips. This can be soothing and will also help your scars to improve medium and long term. If massaging is uncomfortable, stop for a few days and then start again. When I had my hysterectomy in 2023, I found massaging my belly helped ease the bloating discomfort.
Flag this up to your kidney team, as Fleabane suggests. Even if they don't have any suggestions, at two weeks in it is useful to keep them updated with your progress if you have symptoms bothering you, such as this.
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